The Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery is a special themed museum located on Jl. S. Parman No. 309, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. It offers a unique display of wildlife specimens preserved through taxidermy from around the world, presented in lifelike arrangements that reflect their natural habitats. This museum serves as both an educational and conservation-oriented attraction.
Type and Management
Classified as a Special Museum, Type A, the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery focuses specifically on wildlife and conservation education. This categorization underscores its targeted collection and its suitability for in-depth public learning.
The museum is owned by Dr. H. Rahmat Shah, a nature enthusiast, professional hunter turned conservationist. Operations are overseen by the Yayasan Rahmat Indonesia, which manages exhibitions, programs, and educational activities for visitors.
History of the Museum
The museum was officially inaugurated on May 14, 1999, by the Indonesian Minister of Education and Culture Prof. Dr. Juwono Sudarsono, MA. As public interest grew, the facility was expanded into a larger, impressive building of around 3,000 m², reopened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on November 13, 2007.
Further development occurred on November 28, 2013, adding even more space and resources to enhance its role as a conservation and learning institution.
Vision The Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery
The museum’s vision is to introduce wildlife species from across the globe to a broad audience, especially students and the general public, and to encourage love and care for wildlife conservation and the environment. It promotes awareness of species at risk of extinction and highlights the importance of biodiversity.
Mission The Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery
Key missions of the museum include:
- Encouraging public awareness and responsibility for wildlife and environmental conservation.
- Utilizing exhibitions and educational displays to enhance knowledge about animal habitats and biodiversity.
- Establishing the museum as a family-friendly educational tourism destination.
- Promoting legal conservation practices and ethical wildlife preservation.
Collections & Facilities
The museum houses thousands of preserved specimens, totaling more than 2,600 species and about 5,600 specimens, artfully displayed across three floors, grouped by habitat types. Visitors see animals from Africa, Asia, Indonesia, and other regions, from insects and birds to large mammals.
Featured exhibits include:
- African Big Five, elephants, white rhinoceros, lions, Cape buffalo, and leopards.
- Birds Kingdom, a spectacular array of bird species.
- Bear Room, tropical and polar bears.
- Night Goat Safari, displays of mountain goats in nocturnal settings.
- Indonesian Species,native Indonesian wildlife.
Additional facilities include a library, Hunters Cafe with audiovisual displays, a photo studio, souvenir shop, and multi-purpose event space, offering a comprehensive visitor experience.
Role in Society
The Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery serves as a dynamic center for conservation education and wildlife awareness, inspiring visitors to learn about biodiversity and conservation issues while enjoying a unique cultural and natural history experience. It is a prominent tourism and educational destination in North Sumatra, attracting local and international visitors alike.
