Ragunan adds African animal collection, featuring giant-horned Watusi cattle.

New Year holidays have always been a favorite moment for Jakarta residents to find Tourist Destinations that are close, affordable, and still offer valuable experiences. Welcoming the transition to 2026, Ragunan Wildlife Park presents an exciting surprise with the arrival of unusual new animals: a pair of watusi, iconic African cattle famous for their giant horns.

The presence of these watusi isn't just about adding to the animal collection, but also becoming a New Attraction for urban travelers seeking recreational experiences combined with learning without leaving the city. Ragunan further solidifies its position as a relevant Educational Tourism destination for younger generations.

"Ragunan Wildlife Park welcomes the 2026 New Year Holiday by presenting a new animal collection in the form of a watusi pair," said Ragunan Wildlife Park Public Relations Officer Wahyudi Bambang in Jakarta on Monday, December 29, 2025.

For the unfamiliar, watusi are distinctive African animals that immediately capture attention with their appearance. They're known for their large, curved horns which not only serve as unique physical characteristics but also play a vital role in regulating body temperature.

"Watusi are animals native to Africa, particularly East Africa, known for their large horns that function as distinctive features while helping regulate body temperature," he explained.

The watusi pair arrived at Ragunan on Friday, December 26, 2025, through an animal exchange collaboration with Taman Safari Batang (Batang Dolphin Center) in Central Java. In this agreement, Ragunan exchanged five male capybaras and received two watusi that are now official residents of Jakarta's legendary Zoo.

This move forms part of the strategy to enrich animal collections while enhancing visitor experiences. With the watusi's arrival, Ragunan not only offers entertainment but also opens educational opportunities about African wildlife diversity and their adaptation to different environments.

Interestingly, the watusi's adaptation process in Jakarta has its own story. Ragunan's geographical location in a higher-altitude area makes temperatures relatively cooler than Batang. This weather factor presents unique challenges in watusi care. Nevertheless, management ensures continuous adjustments to maintain animal welfare.

The watusi pair consists of a five-year-old female named Jihan and a six-year-old male named Yogi. Their presence is expected to become a new magnet, especially for young visitors seeking unique experiences and visually appealing content.

For travelers looking for family-friendly tourism and refreshing spots amid urban bustle, Ragunan offers a complete combination. Spanning 147 hectares, this area houses over 2,009 animals and more than 20,000 trees, making it one of South Jakarta's largest green spaces.

Management continues developing Ragunan into a modern zoo representing Jakarta's identity. Area arrangement, facility improvements, and Conservation messaging remain primary focuses to maintain Ragunan's relevance as a long-term Educational Tourism destination.

Unsurprisingly, visitor enthusiasm is predicted to be high. Management estimates tourist numbers during the 2026 New Year holiday could reach 80,000 people. This figure reflects strong public interest in tourism that's not only enjoyable but also offers meaningful learning experiences.

With the watusi's arrival, New Year holidays at Ragunan now have a new story. Not just a leisure trip, but an opportunity to encounter exotic African wildlife without leaving Jakarta.