Taipei Zoo

Taipei Zoo, also referred to as Muzha Zoo, is a prominent public zoological garden located in the Wenshan District of Taipei, Taiwan. It holds the distinction of being Taiwan's most famous zoological garden and is recognized as a leader in the fields of conservation, research, education, and recreation. With a substantial total area of 165 hectares, of which over 90 hectares are developed, Taipei Zoo ranks among the largest zoological parks in Asia.

History

The origins of Taipei Zoo trace back to 1914, when it was established as Maruyama Zoo during the Japanese colonial period. Initially a private venture by a Japanese citizen named Mr. Oe, it was acquired by the Japanese government in Taiwan the following year and opened as a public park. Following World War II, control of the park transferred to the Taipei City Government of the Republic of China. A significant historical resident was an Asian elephant named Lin Wang, who had served in the military and lived out his life at the zoo, becoming a beloved figure affectionately known as "Grandpa Lin Wang." The zoo's relocation to its current, more expansive site in Muzha on the southeastern outskirts of Taipei City occurred in 1986, driven by the need for expansion and improved animal welfare conditions. This move distinguished it from the former "Yuan-shan Zoo."

Exhibitions and Notable Features

Taipei Zoo hosts a wide array of specialized exhibition areas. The Formosan Animal Area is dedicated to species indigenous to Taiwan, including clouded leopards, Formosan black bears, and Taiwan serows. The Children's Zoo offers opportunities for younger visitors to interact with domestic animals. An Insectarium, complete with a butterfly garden, showcases a diverse collection of insects and arachnids.

The Tropical Rainforest Area features animals from Southeast Asian rainforests, such as Asian elephants and orangutans, alongside some South American species. Within this area is the Pangolin Dome, a 2019 addition inspired by the pangolin's shape, aimed at raising awareness about wildlife trafficking. The Giant Panda House is a major attraction, home to pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, gifted from China in 2008, and their offspring Yuan Zai, the first panda cub born in Taiwan.

Other significant zones include the Desert Animal Area, the Australian Animal Area (featuring koalas and kangaroos), the African Animal Zone simulating the savanna, Bird World with over 130 bird species, the Amphibian and Reptile House, and the Temperate Zone Animal Area, which houses species like brown bears and Przewalski's horses, as well as a penguin house.

Recognition and Accessibility

Taipei Zoo was recognized on December 1, 2020, with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for its contributions to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Taiwan. The zoo is easily accessible via public transportation, with Taipei Zoo Station serving both the Taipei Metro and the Taipei Zoo South Station of the gondola system.