Our first stop of the day was Taipei Zoo, nestled at the southern edge of Taipei. When we saw the admission fee (NT$100) which is only about S$4, we thought the zoo is probably quite small and we should be able to complete our visit within an hour. However, the moment we entered the zoo, we realized that we were completely wrong. In fact, it is one of the largest and oldest zoos in Asia.
Instead of tightly packed cages, animals are housed in open, habitat-style enclosures, many separated from visitors by moats, glass panels, or natural barriers rather than bars.
In our recent visits to Mandai Wildlife Reserves, we only had a glimpse of a sleeping pangolin. And here we finally managed to see one that was extremely lively.
The zoo is divided into clearly themed zones. Comfortable shoes are essential as distances between areas can be long.
The star attraction of Taipei Zoo has to be the Giant Panda Hall. Home to Taiwan’s famous pandas, the climate-controlled indoor and outdoor enclosures are designed to mimic their natural habitat. Large glass viewing panels allow close-up views of pandas lounging, munching on bamboo, or playfully interacting with their environment.
One of the most immersive sections of the zoo, the Asian Tropical Rainforest Area recreates dense jungle environments complete with elevated walkways and lush vegetation.
What sets Taipei Zoo apart is its balance. It’s large but not overwhelming, educational without being dry, and modern while still deeply connected to nature.
We spent more than 3 hours in the zoo and yet we were not able to visit every zone that it got to offer.
Below are some highlights of our Taipei Zoo visit.
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