Endangered Marine Species Gallery

Background

The Endangered Marine Species Gallery was officially opened to the public on 16 July 2010 by the Director-General of Fisheries Malaysia, YBhg. Dato’ Junaidi Che Ayub. The gallery is managed by IPP Rantau Abang, the leading research institute for turtles, marine mammals, and endangered marine species in Malaysia. The gallery is divided into three main exhibition units namely Marine Ecosystem Section, Marine Mammal Section and the Turtle Section. Each section is filled with scientific posters and informative displays highlighting the status and list of threatened marine species in Malaysia.

Visitors can witness the uniqueness of endangered marine species from across Malaysia through the various specimens and exhibition materials showcased here. Among the main attractions are the skeletal remains of the Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis) and Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni). The Marine Mammal Section also features other rare specimens, including the skeletons of Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus), Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Pygmy Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps), Cuvier’s Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris) and a taxidermied Dugong (Dugong dugon)

In the Turtle Section, visitors will find the skeletal displays of the Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), along with preserved turtle specimens, a turtle nest replica, and a Turtle Excluder Device (TED) model. The Marine Ecosystem Section showcases preserved specimens of coral species, giant clams, and various shellfish of the Malaysian waters.

Another major attraction at IPP Rantau Abang is the Endangered Marine Species Rescue Pool, which serves as a temporary rehabilitation area for rescued turtles and marine mammals. Visitors have the rare opportunity to observe live turtles under care and rehabilitation. These exhibits are invaluable in reflecting the rich marine biodiversity of Malaysia, which must be preserved to ensure the sustainability of our marine ecology and fisheries resources. The gallery also serves as an educational platform, welcoming visits from kindergartens, schools, and university students. This initiative supports efforts to raise public awareness on the importance of conserving and protecting our marine ecosystem—starting from an early age.

Objective

Educating the public and visitors about the importance of marine biodiversity conservation efforts, especially for turtles and marine mammal species that are increasingly endangered.

Ticket Fee

Kemasukan bagi semua pelawat adalah percuma.

Facilities

  • The Endangered Marine Species Gallery building is 24m x 33m and has 2 main parts which are the exhibition space (bottom) and the auditorium (top).
  • Endangered Marine Species Rescue Pool
  • Turtle hatchery
  • Water storage tank
  • Visitor toilet
DCIM100MEDIADJI_0281 DCIM100MEDIADJI_0283 Kolam menyelamat 2 Kolam Menyelamat marine ecosystem gallery section marine mammals gallery section 2 marine mammals gallery section turtle gallery section 2 turtle gallery section 3 turtle gallery section whale skeleton 2 whale skeleton