YANGON, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Yangon Zoological Gardens, the oldest zoo in Myanmar, celebrated its 120th anniversary on Saturday.

To mark the occasion, a series of events is held from Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, including a market fair, dancing and singing performances, magic shows, and talk shows designed especially for children.

Founded in 1906, Yangon Zoological Gardens is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia.

The zoo serves as a public recreational space while also providing educational opportunities for visitors to learn about animals, Warden of the zoo Than Myint Tun told Xinhua.

It also supports ecosystem conservation and contributes to breeding and preserving the endangered wildlife, he said.

Currently, Yangon Zoological Gardens is home to about 140 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, with a total population of over 1,400, he added. ■