Hlawaga park is located in Taukkyan village, Mingaladon township, Yangon division. The park includes a wildlife park (818 acres), a mini-zoo (62 acres) and a buffer zone (660 acres). It was established on 30 September 1982.

Access

Approximately 22 miles (35 km) north of Yangon, just west of Yangon - Pyay road.

Objective

To establish an enviromental education centre near Yangon. To protect the forests and vegetative cover in the catchment of Hlawga lake. To establish a representative collection of Myanmar indigenous wildlife species of mammals, reptiles and birds, which will be kept under as near as possible natural conditions in such as a way that they can be readily viewed by visitors.

Forest / vegetation types

The park includes semi-evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, and swamp forests.

Wildlife

Thamin, hog deer, barking deer, Sambar deer, rhesus monkey, pythons, pangolin, mythun, all have in the fenced wildlife park. In the mini-zoo, small mammals, birds, tigers, leopards, bears and estuarine crocodiles are being displayed more freely in large in spacious cages, aviaries and moated enclosures, built with modern zoo concept.

Conservation, development and research programmes

Effective protection and management of degraded forests. Establishment and management of buffer zone plantations. Construction of high quality rest house ''chalets'' which are in hamony with the natural surroundings. Establishment of a new Information Centre. Construction of a 5-storied viewing tower.

Maintenance of roads, nature tails and of all buildings and their utilities. Research programmes on vegatative study and ornithological studies on both resident and mgratory birds. Enviroment education activities to create public awarness of enviroment conservation. Joint-ventrue development works between Forest Department and loval private sectors for all-round development of Hlawga park. Development of one 18-hole golf course of international standard in the buffer zone of the park.

Opportunities for study and recreation

Study nature conservation activities in Myanmar. Observing ecological study on Thamin, hog deer, barking deer,sambar deer, etc., in their natural state. Enjoyment of out-door recreation such as picnic sites, traditional huts, boats and elephant rides. Conducting individual or group bird-watching activities with assistance from experienced bird-watchers of the park. Study a previously human-disturbed and degarded forest, gradually restoring itself into a well grown natural forest, over a time-span of 20 years. Recreation in high quality ''chalets'' built by the Forest Department.