Shoushan Zoo Introduction
Kaohsiung Shoushan Zoo is the largest public zoo in southern Taiwan, managed by the Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau. It is one of three municipal zoos in Taiwan, second only to Taipei Zoo in scale. In 2022, the zoo improved the habitats and outdoor spaces for animals, and established animal-friendly observation walkways, allowing Kaohsiung residents and tourists to observe adorable animals up close from different angles and with minimal disturbance. It is an ideal place for family leisure, outdoor education, and ecological science. At Shoushan Zoo, the boundaries have been softened with planting, and aerial walkways traverse animal habitats, along with elevated mesh fences on both sides, allowing visitors to blend in and watch animal interactions from above. Stepping into two tall mountain huts on the sky bridge and four animal observation corridors hanging below the walkway, large floor-to-ceiling glass panels provide views close to their natural habitats, where visitors can see capybaras relaxing in hot tubs, lions basking in the sun, or Formosan black bears leisurely scratching tree trunks. The charming, authentic appearances of various animals make one feel as if they have stepped into the animals' homes, experiencing their living spaces in a multitude of ways. The renovated Shoushan Zoo has become a harmonious visiting spot that integrates nature. Improvements have been made to the pathways and roads in the area, and a park train is available to take visitors around. Fun videos and informational boards along the tour routes allow both kids and adults to gain deeper insights into the animals’ behaviors. Additionally, the water plaza has transformed into a fun fountain with mist like chimneys, enabling children to play in the refreshing water pool. Old animal enclosures have been renovated by opening some roofs to introduce sunlight and rainwater, improving ventilation, cleanliness, and drainage, thus creating comfortable living spaces for animals. Shoushan's new pet – Capybara. The zoo has introduced capybaras and mixed them with various herbivorous animals such as llamas and miniature donkeys. Visitors can appreciate the animals’ resting behaviors from above or walk down to the exhibition hall for a level perspective to observe how they comfortably eat, sleep, and play in their homes. Don’t miss the "star animals." The animal stars of Shoushan Zoo are treasures of Kaohsiung, including the Formosan black bear - Bobby, the red-haired orangutan couple - Ah Hong and Mi Mi, the handsome white tiger - Zhao Hai, and the veteran African elephant - Ah Li, along with the adorable meerkat family, whose every move is sure to melt visitors' hearts.
