Green World Ecological Farm

Green World Ecological Farm, known in Chinese as 綠世界生態農場 (Lǜ Shìjiè Shēngtài Nóngchǎng), is a significant ecological education theme park situated in Beipu Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan. Established with a focus on environmental preservation and learning, the park commenced construction in 1999 and officially opened its gates to the public on May 1, 2004. It was granted a Taiwan Leisure Farm License by the Council of Agriculture on January 13, 2004.

Size and Scope

The farm spans an expansive 70 hectares (approximately 170 acres) and is designed to incorporate ecological engineering methods, aiming to minimize its environmental footprint. Green World is meticulously divided into six distinct themed areas, each offering unique educational experiences:

• Discovery Land: Features various specialized plant collections and animal habitats.
• Bird Ecological Park: Home to over 100 species of birds, including macaws and birds-of-paradise.
• Butterfly Ecological Park: Dedicated to the life cycle and diversity of butterflies and insects.
• Water Plants Park: Showcases a vast collection of water plants, including 506 species of native and global varieties.
• Biodiversity Adventure Area: Includes a zone for reptiles and amphibians, such as anacondas and Aldabra giant tortoises, alongside mammals like sloths and flamingos.
• Swan Lake Area: Offers bird watching opportunities and features various avian species.

Ecological Focus and Conservation

While its name suggests an agricultural focus, Green World Ecological Farm does not produce food but rather concentrates on ecological education and conservation. The park endeavors to preserve the site's original landscapes and habitats. It functions as an accredited animal sanctuary, providing refuge for wounded or abandoned animals. Furthermore, it serves as a temporary nursery for endangered indigenous species, such as the Taiwan yellow water lily and the Formosan Reeve's muntjac, although the majority of the over 2,000 plant and animal species hosted are non-indigenous.

Cultural and Facility Highlights

Beyond its ecological exhibits, Green World Ecological Farm also preserves cultural heritage. It maintains 'Kao Ping Tong,' a historic Hakka residential complex over a century old, featuring an exhibition of antiques used by its former inhabitants. The park's construction and operations emphasize eco-friendly practices, utilizing natural air convection, daylight illumination, and water-saving devices in its facilities.