AIR ITAM (Black Waters, a commonplace name throughout the Malay Peninsula) is an inland town in Penang Island. It is located at the northeastern foothills and blessed with vibrant natural environs. Unsurprisingly, its modern history is related to agricultural and plantation trade, and to ecological preservation.
In fact, the Penang Botanic Gardens was initially based in Air Itam Valley. That started out as a spice garden before being relocated to the current site in 1884.
Furthermore, the Penang Zoological Gardens was founded in Air Itam in the 1920s, and housed more than 10 types of animals. This was probably the country's earliest zoo; and was closed down before the Japanese Occupation, never to be reopened again.1
Today, everyday proof of its existence is obvious only in a road in Air Itam that still bears the name Jalan Zoo.
