Taipei Zoo

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Taipei Zoo, also known as Muzha Zoo, is a large public zoo in Wenshan District, Taipei, Taiwan. It covers about 165 hectares, with more than 90 hectares open to the public. It is famous for conservation, research, education, and recreation, and is one of the largest zoos in Asia.

History in brief
The zoo began in 1914 as Maruyama Zoo during Japanese rule. It was originally a private garden owned by a Japanese man. The government later made it a public park. In 1986 the zoo moved to its current site in Muzha to expand and improve animal habitats.

Big sights and famous animals
- Lin Wang: a beloved elephant who lived at the zoo for many years and became a well-known symbol of Taiwan.
- Pandas: in 2008 Taiwan received two giant pandas from China, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan. Their cub Yuan Zai was born in 2013.
- Pangolin Dome: opened in 2019, this large pavilion (about 24 meters tall) was built to raise awareness about pangolins and wildlife trafficking. It sits on 1.5 hectares and has several outdoor and indoor exhibits.

What you can see and do
- Taiwan area near the entrance: animals native to Taiwan, such as clouded leopards, Formosan black bears, Formosan macaques, Formosan sika deer, Taiwan pangolins, and wild boars. The area also lets kids meet domestic animals like alpacas, chickens, donkeys, and rabbits.
- Children's Zoo: has habitats for meerkats, raccoons, raccoon dogs, and South American coatis.
- Insectarium and butterfly garden: a place to learn about insects and see many butterfly species.
- Rainforest exhibits: features animals from Southeast Asia, like Asian elephants, orangutans, tigers, leopards, tapirs, and siamangs, plus some South American animals such as capybaras and giant anteaters.
- Pangolin Dome area: focuses on pangolins and other tropical rainforest creatures.
- East African savanna section: a large area with elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, and many other animals.
- Birds: over 130 species, including waterfowl, eagles, flamingos, and parrots.
- Amphibians and reptiles: a house with more than 90 species, including tortoises, pythons, lizards, and tree frogs.
- Penguins: a penguin display with African penguins and king penguins.
- Other habitats include primates, big cats, and various mammals in different zones.

Getting there
- The zoo is next to Taipei Metro’s Taipei Zoo Station on the Wenhu (Brown) line. The Maokong Gondola also has stops at Taipei Zoo Station and Taipei Zoo South Station, offering another way to reach the zoo.

Administration and recognition
The Taipei City Government’s Department of Education owns and runs the zoo. It is part of regional and international zoo groups and works on conservation, research, education, and public enjoyment.

In short, Taipei Zoo is a large, family-friendly destination with a mix of local and tropical animals, engaging exhibits, and easy access by public transit.