Shoushan Zoo Introduction
Shoushan Zoo in Kaohsiung City is the largest public zoo in southern Taiwan and is managed by the Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau. It is one of three municipal zoos in Taiwan, second in scale only to Taipei Zoo. In 2022, improvements were made to the animals' habitats and outdoor activity spaces, including the installation of animal-friendly aerial observation walkways. This allows residents and visitors to Kaohsiung to observe the daily lives of adorable animals from different angles while minimizing disturbances. It is an ideal place for family leisure, outdoor education, and ecological science popularization. The zoo features a friendly observation system, where the boundaries are softened by planting, and aerial walkways are woven through the animals’ habitats. The elevated mesh fences on either side allow visitors to blend in and view the interactions of the animals from above. Visitors can enter two high-roofed pavilions located on the aerial walkways and four animal observation corridors suspended below, where large floor-to-ceiling windows provide a close look at the animals’ original habitat environment. Visitors can see capybaras soaking in the water, lions lounging in the sun, or Formosan black bears scratching their backs against tree trunks. The charming and authentic appearances of various animals make it feel as if one has entered their home, providing a multi-faceted experience of their living space. The renovated Shoushan Zoo has become a harmonious venue integrating nature. The circulation paths and roads have been improved, and a park tram is available to tour the area. Fun videos and interpretive signs are set up along the visiting routes, allowing both adults and children to gain a deeper understanding of animal habits. The water-friendly plaza has transformed into a fun fountain, resembling a chimney with mist, where children can have water fights in the cool pool. Furthermore, old animal enclosures have been renovated by opening parts of the roof to let in sunlight and rainwater, improving ventilation, cleanliness, and drainage of the enclosures, thus creating comfortable living spaces for the animals. New stars at Shoushan Zoo include the capybara, which has been introduced along with other herbivorous animals like llamas and mini donkeys for mixed housing. Visitors can enjoy watching the animals' behaviors from above or walk down to the exhibition hall for a closer view at eye level, observing how they comfortably eat, sleep, and play in their homes. The must-see "star animals" at Shoushan Zoo are the treasures of Kaohsiung, including Formosan black bear - Bobo, the pair of orangutans - Ah Hong and Mi Mi, the handsome white tiger - Zhao Hai, and the veteran African elephant - Ah Li, along with an adorable family of meerkats, whose every move is sure to melt the hearts of visitors.
