Shoushan Zoo

Shoushan Zoo is one of the main family attractions in Kaohsiung and the largest public zoo in southern Taiwan. It is located on the scenic slopes of Shoushan Mountain, also known as Longevity Mountain, making a visit here not just about seeing animals, but a true walk through a nature park. Its unique location allows for combining observations of exotic species with outdoor relaxation surrounded by tropical greenery.

The zoo's collection is impressive in its diversity: it is home to animals from four continents—Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. Visitors can see such majestic creatures as African lions, Bengal tigers, African elephants, as well as Himalayan black bears and playful kangaroos. Additionally, the zoo is home to capybaras, meerkats, orangutans, and many other interesting animals.

The special pride of Shoushan Zoo is the pair of rare white tigers, who immediately became the stars of the exhibit. Visiting this place is a great opportunity not only to get to know fauna from around the world but also to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. In 2022, the zoo underwent a major renovation that improved the enclosures and added special skywalks for animal observation, allowing visitors to learn about their lives with minimal interference.

For the most up-to-date information on opening hours, special events, and visitor rules, it is recommended to consult the zoo's official sources. All the necessary contact details are gathered below.

A visit to Shoushan Zoo is not just about the world of animals, but also an exciting adventure in nature. In addition to observing various inhabitants, guests can go for a hike on trails that start right from the zoo. These routes will lead you to interesting rock formations and caves where you can see real stalactites and stalagmites, turning a standard zoo visit into a full-scale exploration of local nature.

You can continue your walk after visiting the enclosures by climbing the slopes of Longevity Mountain, which features many scenic paths. The route from the Longquan Buddhist Temple, which leads to a nature reserve, deserves special attention. This is home to Formosan rock macaques, which are accustomed to the presence of people. Watching their behavior in their natural habitat will be a wonderful addition to your trip to Kaohsiung. Additionally, the zoo has a special children's area with water activities and the opportunity to feed some animals, such as sheep, which will especially delight young visitors.

Getting to Shoushan Zoo is quite simple, especially if you use Kaohsiung's public transport. The most convenient way is to take the special bus No. 56, which goes directly to the zoo. This route starts from Kaohsiung Railway Station and passes through the city's key transport hubs. Tourists can easily transfer from the metro: just take the Orange Line to Yanchengpu Station, exit through Exit 4, and walk a short distance along Wufu 4th Road to the bus stop in front of Hua Nan Bank.

Bus No. 56 runs daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. On weekdays, the interval is about 40 minutes, while on weekends and holidays, buses run more frequently—every 15–20 minutes—to handle the flow of visitors. Additionally, during holidays, an extra shuttle runs from Yanchengpu Metro Station to the zoo, departing every 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take bus No. 219, which stops at the Gushan District Office, from where you'll have to walk a short distance uphill along Wanshou Road.

If you prefer a faster and more direct way to travel, you can take a taxi. The trip from the city center to the zoo takes about 8–10 minutes and is quite affordable. You can also drive a rental car or scooter up the mountain. There is a parking lot at the zoo entrance, but keep in mind that space is limited and it can get very crowded on weekends. Therefore, to avoid parking issues, especially on peak days, using public transport is highly recommended.

The history of Shoushan Zoo in Kaohsiung is a fascinating tale of development, decline, and rebirth. It was founded in 1978 and moved to its current location on the scenic slopes of Shoushan Mountain in 1986. From the beginning, the zoo has been managed by the city administration and quickly became a favorite destination for residents and visitors of southern Taiwan.

However, its history hasn't always been smooth. In 2007, the zoo faced a serious crisis when a series of incidents brought long-standing problems to light. It was reported that staff were unable to accurately identify the species or even the sex of some animals, and one veterinarian lost a limb following a crocodile attack. An investigation revealed a critical lack of funding and personnel. Experts called it the worst public zoo in the country due to unsatisfactory animal welfare conditions.

Fortunately, these events became a turning point. In 2009, a major renovation costing 150 million New Taiwan Dollars breathed new life into the zoo. After a five-month closure, it reopened its doors to visitors. Improvements continued in the following years, with the latest major modernization completed in 2022. These efforts demonstrate a constant commitment to creating better conditions for the zoo's inhabitants and ensuring comfort for its guests.

For a comfortable and complete introduction to Shoushan Zoo in Kaohsiung, it is recommended to set aside from 2 to 3 hours. This will be enough time to leisurely walk through the main area, see the primary residents such as Bengal tigers, African elephants, and rare white tigers, and take advantage of the new observation decks and skywalks that allow you to observe the animals from different perspectives. The zoo is considered relatively small, allowing you to see it in just a few hours.

Your planned time may increase significantly if you are traveling with children or want to take advantage of extra features. For example, there is a children's water play area and a "Children's Ranch" where you can feed sheep. Additionally, the zoo is located on Shoushan Mountain, and many visitors combine their visit with a hike along the scenic trails that start nearby. If you decide to explore the mountain's natural beauty as well, you should plan for half a day or even more. For a quick look at only the most popular animals, 1.5–2 hours may suffice.

Shoushan Zoo is open to visitors almost all year round but follows a specific schedule. It welcomes guests from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is important to note that the last entry is no later than 4:30 PM. The zoo is closed on Mondays, except when a public holiday falls on that day—in which case it operates on its usual schedule. The zoo is also closed on Lunar New Year's Eve.

To save time and avoid queues, especially on weekends and holidays, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. This can be done online via the zoo's official website or through travel services such as Klook and KKday. While pre-booking is not a strict requirement for individual visitors, it will make your visit more comfortable. Before your trip, it is always a good idea to check for the latest information on official resources, as opening hours may change slightly.

Visiting Shoushan Zoo is just one part of what the vibrant city of Kaohsiung has to offer. Exploring its surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the local culture and discover other amazing places nearby. Shoushan Mountain and the adjacent areas are rich in both natural and cultural attractions that will perfectly complement your trip.

From historic forts and lighthouses with panoramic views to modern art spaces and picturesque beaches—all this is within a short trip from the zoo. This variety makes the area an excellent starting point for further exploration of the city. Below is a list of nearby interesting spots to add to your itinerary.