Taipei Zoo
Explore Asia’s largest zoo
Taipei Zoo is a giant zoological garden and home to Taiwan’s largest collection of animals. Spread over 165 hectares, Taipei Zoo displays animals from Taiwan, Australia, Africa, the Asian tropical rainforest, the desert, and the temperate zones.
In 2008 Taipei Zoo was gifted two giant pandas from China, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, as part of an exchange program. In 2013 they gave birth to panda cub Yuan Zai, which is considered a must-see feature at Taipei Zoo.
History In 1914, Taipei Zoo was originally opened as a private garden by Japanese man Oe in the northern suburbs of Taiwan. Following World War II, the Taipei City government purchased the zoo and oversaw major developments. In 1986, Taipei Zoo reopened an its current location in Muzha. Since then it has grown considerably and is considered a global leader in conservation, research and education.
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Exhibition Houses
Taipei Zoo showcases a large number of indoor and outdoor exhibitions including over 12,000 birds of over 130 species in its Children’s Zoo. The exhibitions often draw large crowds with the most popular being the Giant Panda House and Penguin House. Each display has its own unique showcase that appeal to young and old.
Other indoor exhibitions include the: Koala House, Amphibian and Reptile House, Insectarium and Education Center. Other outdoor exhibitions include the: Formosan Animal Area, Children’s Zoo, Asian Tropical Rainforest Animal Area, Desert Animal Area, Australian Animal Area, African Animal Area, Bird World and Temperate Zone Animal Area.
Giant Panda House
By far Taipei Zoo’s most popular exhibition, the Giant Panda House, is home to a panda family of three. In 2008 Taipei Zoo was gifted two giant pandas from China, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, whom have attracted large crowds ever since moving to Taiwan. On July 6, 2013, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan gave birth to Yuan Zai, the first panda cub to be born in Taiwan, who has now become a must-see attraction for Taipei Zoo visitors.
Because of their huge popularity, strict visitor controls are enforced allowing a capacity of 400 people every 10 minutes, and a maximum of 19,200 people a day. Visitors are required to pick up free panda-visiting tickets at the zoo entrance that will have an allocated time.
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Panda House is closed first Monday of every month.
See a full list of Taipei Zoo operating hours and exhibitions dates here.
BY TRAIN
The best way to get to Taipei Zoo is by MRT. Transfer to the MRT Brown Line and then take it to Taipei Zoo Station.
From Taipei takes approximately 50 minutes from the middle of Taipei.