Shanghai Zoo
Shanghai Zoological Park, commonly known as Shanghai Zoo, is one of the city's two main zoological institutions. Originally established as a golf club, it was transformed into a public park and later a zoo, becoming a significant ecological garden that aims to foster understanding and appreciation for animals and their environments.
Key Facts
- ›Opened to the public as Xijiao Park in 1954.
- ›Renamed Shanghai Zoological Park in 1980.
- ›Houses over 6,000 animals across 600 species.
- ›Features 100,000 trees of nearly 600 species.
- ›Has hosted over 150 million visitors since its establishment.
Giant Pandas, Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys, South China Tigers
About Shanghai Zoo
Shanghai Zoological Park
Shanghai Zoological Park, often referred to as Shanghai Zoo, is one of the two primary zoological institutions in Shanghai, China. Located near the Hongqiao township within the Changning District, the zoo has evolved from its historical roots into a significant ecological garden.
History and Development
The area that now houses Shanghai Zoo was initially developed as livery stables in 1890. By 1914, it was acquired by merchants and transformed into the Hung-Jao Golf Club in 1916. Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the property was resumed by the government in 1953. In 1954, the former golf course was opened to the public as "Xijiao Park." The park underwent further development in 1959 with the construction of animal enclosures and expansion of its grounds. The park was officially renamed Shanghai Zoological Park in 1980. A Ferris wheel was added in 1992 and operated until 2024.
Current Zoo Facilities and Collections
After decades of development, Shanghai Zoo is recognized as one of Shanghai's premier ecological gardens. It is home to more than 6,000 animals representing 600 species. These include a variety of animals native to China, such as giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, South China tigers, hoopoes, black bulbuls, great hornbills, and Bactrian camels. The zoo also exhibits animals from around the globe, including chimpanzees, giraffes, lions, zebras, kangaroos, gorillas, ring-tailed lemurs, common marmosets, spider monkeys, scimitar-horned oryx, African wild dogs, olive baboons, mandrills, Canadian lynxes, and maned wolves. The zoo continually works to enhance its animal enclosures to provide optimal environments for its inhabitants and an engaging experience for visitors.
Environment and Visitor Experience
The original layout of the golf course has been largely maintained, contributing to the zoo's naturalistic setting. The grounds are extensively landscaped, featuring 100,000 trees encompassing nearly 600 species, with green areas and lawns covering 100,000 square meters. The zoo strives to foster an ecologically friendly atmosphere, exemplified by features like 'Swan Lake,' which provides a natural habitat for various bird species. Shanghai Zoo aims to offer areas for amusement and leisure while educating visitors about animals and their habitats, supported by scientific and technical research. Since its inception, the zoo has welcomed over 150 million visitors, with the overarching goal of promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation for animals and their environments.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Shanghai Zoo called before it was a zoo?
Before becoming Shanghai Zoological Park, the site was known as Xijiao Park, or Western Suburbs Park. This name is still commonly used locally for the zoo.
What is the history of the land where Shanghai Zoo is located?
The land was first developed as livery stables in 1890. It was later converted into the Hung-Jao Golf Club in 1916 before being resumed by the government and opened as Xijiao Park in 1954.
What types of animals can be found at Shanghai Zoo?
Shanghai Zoo exhibits a diverse range of animals, including Chinese native species like giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and South China tigers, as well as international animals such as chimpanzees, giraffes, lions, and kangaroos.
What is the size and environment of Shanghai Zoo?
The zoo is an ecological garden with 100,000 trees of nearly 600 species. Green areas and lawns cover 100,000 square meters, and features like 'Swan Lake' are designed to create an ecologically friendly environment.
What is the mission of Shanghai Zoo?
The zoo aims to provide visitors with a better understanding and appreciation of animals and their environments. It combines amusement and leisure with opportunities for visitors to increase their knowledge and engages in scientific and technical research.
Related Zoos
Shenzhen Safari Park
Shenzhen Safari Park, located in Shenzhen, China, is notable as the first zoo in the country to feature uncaged animals. It houses a diverse collection of over 300 species and more than ten thousand animals, including critically endangered species, and covers a significant area near Xili Lake.
Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo, founded in 1906, is the oldest zoo in China and a significant zoological research center. It is renowned for its extensive collection of rare Chinese endemic species, particularly its giant pandas, and boasts one of the largest animal collections in the country, attracting over five million visitors annually.
Chengdu Zoo
Chengdu Zoo is a major zoological park located in Chengdu, China, recognized as the largest zoo in southwest China and the fourth largest in the country. It is renowned for its collection of giant pandas, housing three individuals and having a significant history of breeding them, making it a key destination for those interested in these iconic animals.