Shoushan Zoo Introduction
Shoushan Zoo in Kaohsiung City is the largest public zoo in Southern Taiwan, managed by the Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau. It is one of the three municipal zoos in Taiwan and is second in size only to the Taipei Zoo. In 2022, the zoo improved the living quarters and outdoor activity spaces for the animals and established animal-friendly aerial observation corridors, allowing Kaohsiung residents and visitors to closely observe the daily lives of cute animals from different angles with minimal disturbance. It is an ideal educational venue for family leisure, outdoor teaching, and ecological science popularization. The animal-friendly observation space at Shoushan Zoo softens the boundaries with planting, featuring aerial corridors that weave through the animals' habitats, with netted fences rising on both sides, allowing visitors to blend in and observe the interactions of the animals from above. Stepping into two high-ceilinged mountain houses on the aerial bridge and four observation corridors hanging beneath it, visitors can see the animals in environments reminiscent of their natural habitats through large floor-to-ceiling windows. Observing capybaras enjoying a soak, lions lazily sunbathing, or Taiwan black bears comfortably scratching tree trunks provides a glimpse into the adorable and authentic aspects of various animals, making one feel like stepping into the animals' homes and experiencing their living spaces. After renovation, Shoushan Zoo has become a harmonious venue that integrates with nature. The park's pathways and roads have been improved, offering a small train to explore the area. Fun videos and explanatory signs are set up along the route, allowing both children and adults to gain deeper insights into the animals' behaviors. The water plaza has transformed into a fun fountain with mist resembling chimneys, enabling children to play water games in the cool pool. Additionally, the old animal enclosures have been renovated, opening up parts of the roofs to let in sunlight and rain, enhancing ventilation, cleanliness, and drainage functionalities, thereby creating comfortable living environments for the animals. A new highlight of Shoushan is the capybara, which has been introduced and is mixed with various herbivorous animals such as llamas and mini donkeys. Visitors can admire the animals' behaviors from above or walk down to the exhibition hall for a closer, eye-level observation, watching them eat, sleep, and play in their homes. Don't miss the "star animals" of Shoushan Zoo, the treasures of Kaohsiung, including the Taiwan black bear - Bobby, the red-haired orangutan couple - Ah Hong and Mi Mi, the handsome white tiger - Zhao Hai, and the veteran African elephant - Ali. You can also see the adorable meerkat family, whose every move will melt the hearts of visitors.
