Taipei Zoo is Taiwan’s largest zoological park, spread across 165 hectares in the hills of Wenshan District at the southern edge of the capital. Originally founded in 1914 as Maruyama Zoo during the Japanese colonial era, the zoo relocated to its current Muzha site in 1986 and has since grown into one of Asia’s most-visited wildlife attractions, drawing more than four million guests annually.
The zoo is home to roughly 2,400 animals across some 354 species, organized into themed zones including the Formosan Animal Area for native Taiwan wildlife, an African Animal Zone, Bird World, and the Pangolin Dome. Its most famous residents are its giant pandas, and the zoo’s history is also tied to Lin Wang, a beloved Asian elephant who lived there for decades before his death in 2003.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Wenshan District, Taipei, Taiwan
- Opened: 1914 (as Maruyama Zoo); moved to current Muzha site in 1986
- Size: About 165 hectares (approximately 407 acres)
- Species: About 354 species, roughly 2,400 animals
- Annual visitors: More than 4 million
- Famous for: Giant panda Yuan Yuan and her Taiwan-born daughters Yuan Zai and Yuan Bao, plus the late elephant Lin Wang
What to See at the Zoo
Visitors can explore distinct zones spread across the sprawling grounds, from the Formosan Animal Area showcasing Taiwan’s native black bears and clouded leopards to the African Animal Zone and its open-plan enclosures. The Panda House remains the top draw, home to female giant panda Yuan Yuan, who arrived from mainland China in 2008, along with her two Taiwan-born daughters, Yuan Zai (born 2013) and Yuan Bao (born 2020). The zoo’s male panda, Tuan Tuan, died in 2022 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.
The Pangolin Dome, which opened in 2019, highlights the endangered Formosan pangolin and other nocturnal species, while Bird World houses more than 130 bird species in large walk-through aviaries. The zoo’s hillside setting also connects to the Maokong Gondola, giving visitors sweeping views over the park and surrounding tea plantations.
Getting There and Visiting Tips
Taipei Zoo is easily reached via Taipei Zoo Station on the Wenhu (Brown) Metro Line, making it one of the more accessible major zoos in Asia for public transit. Because the grounds cover such a large area with significant elevation changes, many visitors plan for several hours to see the full range of exhibits or use the zoo’s internal shuttle service to move between zones.
Explore more: Explore more zoos and aquariums.
Taipei Zoo FAQs
How big is Taipei Zoo?
Taipei Zoo covers about 165 hectares (roughly 407 acres) in Wenshan District, making it the largest zoo in Taiwan.
Does Taipei Zoo have pandas?
Yes, the zoo is home to giant panda Yuan Yuan, who arrived in 2008, and her two Taiwan-born daughters, Yuan Zai and Yuan Bao. The male panda, Tuan Tuan, died in 2022 from a brain tumor.
How do you get to Taipei Zoo?
The zoo has its own MRT stop, Taipei Zoo Station, on the Wenhu Metro Line, making it directly accessible by public transportation from central Taipei.
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Photo: Yu tptw / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.