Tainan Travel: Wanpi World Safari Zoo

Wanpi World Safari Zoo (頑皮世界野生動物園) 

Wanpi World Safari Zoo is the only zoo in Tainan. It was established in 1994 and holds the distinction of being the first wildlife zoo in Asia and the recipient of the tourism medal. The zoo focuses on research, conservation, entertainment, and education. It covers an area of 20 hectares and is home to over 300 animals from around the world. To navigate the large space, a shuttle bus service is provided, and there are plenty of recreational facilities throughout the zoo. Tourists can find pavilions and seating areas where they can rest at any time. The zoo also features a restaurant, snack shops, a kids' playground, and a small amusement park.

One notable feature of the zoo is its collection of amphibious reptiles, which is the largest in the world, housing more than 200 species from various regions. Additionally, the zoo is home to some endangered animals. Visitors can also enjoy performances by trained animals. Vending machines are available for purchasing food, and some animal enclosures allow visitors to interact with the animals. However, certain animals can only be accessed through appointments, such as the opportunity to feed capybaras for an additional fee of 200 NT.

Unfortunately, there is a sad aspect to the zoo. Reports have surfaced that four giraffes have died in the past decade, and currently, there is only one giraffe remaining. The zoo had plans to import 20 more giraffes this year, but the government halted the procedure due to concerns about their well-being. Animal rights groups advocate for a pause in animal imports until the environmental factors are thoroughly considered.

I had wanted to visit Wanpi World Safari Zoo some time ago, but the ticket prices were quite high compared to public zoos. The adult ticket costs 480 NT, and the kids' ticket costs 280 NT. The zoo operates from 9 am to 5 pm. However, recently, when meeting with my friend, she informed me about some promotions offered by the zoo. Some science park companies offer discounted entrance fees (although not at my husband's workplace). Fortunately, they also have a birthday promotion, so in the end, we only paid 350 NT for an adult ticket.

Upon entering the zoo, you are greeted by a group of macaws. Peacocks, black swans, and ducks can be spotted throughout the zoo. Unfortunately, some kids tend to chase these birds, causing them to become frightened and scatter around. Unfortunately, our son is still too young to fully enjoy the amusement park, with the exception of the merry-go-round. Overall, it's a nice place to spend an entire day!

Address:

726台南市學甲區頑皮世界野生動物園

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Kaohsiung Travel: Visiting Shou Shan Zoo

Kaohsiung City Shou Shan Zoo (高雄市壽山動物園)

We visited the zoo on Taiwan's National Day (10.10). We didn't know beforehand, but it turned out that the zoo was free of charge on that day, which attracted a large crowd of people. The biggest problem was the full parking lot, with people waiting in long lines just to find a parking spot. The zoo isn't very big, but it's still enjoyable to visit. It's quite common to see wild monkeys roaming around the zoo. Upon entering, our temperatures were checked, and everyone was required to wear a mask, although many people took them off shortly after entering the zoo.

Shou Shan Zoo in Kaohsiung was originally established in 1978 in Xiziwan at the western foot of Shoushan as the Xiziwan Zoo. It was later relocated to the southeastern foot of Shoushan in 1986 and renamed Shoushan Zoo. The zoo is under the management of the Scenic Area Administration of Kaohsiung City.

In 2007, several incidents shed light on various issues that had accumulated at the zoo over the years. Reports emerged of zoo staff being unfamiliar with the species and genders of the animals, and there were even incidents of veterinarians losing limbs to a crocodile. Further investigation revealed the zoo's lack of funding and manpower. In 2009, a significant renovation project costing NT$150 million was undertaken. The renovations aimed to create a more natural environment, with the addition of lighting facilities for children's ranches and certain animal display areas, as well as improved lighting along the visitor trails and in the Animal Care Park.

Address:

80444高雄市鼓山區萬壽路350號壽山動物園 

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Taipei Zoo and night view of Taipei 101

Being in Taipei, I couldn't miss going to the zoo. The place is really huge, and the hot weather makes it difficult to walk around. It took over 2 hours to see everything at the zoo, and many of the animals we couldn't see because they were hiding from the heat.

The zoo has been in existence since 1914, but in the beginning, it was a private zoological garden owned by a Japanese citizen. Now, the total area is 165 hectares, with 90 hectares open to the public, making this zoo one of the largest in Asia. In 1914, the zoo was funded by Japanese citizens and called Maruyama Zoo. After World War II, the ownership of the zoo was passed to Taipei City.

Taipei Zoo displays animals from Taiwan, Australia, Africa, Asian tropical rainforests, deserts, temperate zones, and even domestic animals in the Children's Zoo. There is also an aviary with over 12,000 birds of over 130 species. Other exhibitions include the insectarium, amphibian and reptile house, penguin habitat, koala habitat, nocturnal animal display, and panda exhibition.

In 2008, the zoo received two pandas from China, and the Giant Panda House attracts a lot of visitors. The pandas are the most famous animals here. In 2013, the first panda cub in Taiwan was born.

  

When visiting Taipei, you will definitely want to see Taipei 101, the tallest building in Taiwan. From 2004 to 2010, it was also the tallest building in the world. Inside, you will find a shopping mall with hundreds of fashionable stores, restaurants, and clubs. The building is also home to the fastest elevator in the world. On the 88th and 89th floors, you can observe the world's heaviest and largest wind damper.

The first day I came to Taiwan, I had the chance to see Taipei 101 at night from a restaurant nearby. Luckily, the weather wasn't cloudy or rainy. However, during the few weeks that we have stayed in Taipei, I have rarely seen a clear blue sky. I'm not a fan of the summer weather here with the heat and constant rain. Staying home has become quite boring.

We also climbed a hill to see the night view of Taipei. After the climb, I felt exhausted, but the view was worth it. There were a lot of people walking to those viewing spots. Personally, I wouldn't climb there a second time just to watch the city for a while, but it's a popular place for young people.

Picture source: https://goo.gl/images/PoUC2N

Address:

1. Taipei Zoo: 116台北市文山區新光路二段30號臺北市立動物園
2. Taipei 101: 110台北市信義區信義路五段7號89樓台北101觀景台
3. Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain): 110台北市信義區信義路五段150巷401弄31號象山

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