Shoushan Zoo sits on the slopes of Shoushan in Gushan District, Kaohsiung, at the northern edge of Shoushan Park, with mountains on three sides. The animals include Formosan black bears, Bengal and Siberian tigers, African lions, elephants, orangutans, meerkats and peacocks. Separate areas cover birds, reptiles and nocturnal animals. Adult entry is NT$40. The paths climb steeply and wild macaques roam the grounds, so allow time for a slow walk and keep food out of sight.
From 1978 to the current site
Shoushan Zoo opened in 1978 and moved to its present location in 1986. It has been updated regularly since, and recent work has made the grounds cleaner and more spacious. It lies on Shoushan, the mountain that rises over Kaohsiung's Gushan District, at the northern border of Shoushan Park. Mountains enclose it on three sides, and forest covers much of the surrounding slope.
The zoo is smaller than the one in Taipei. That suits families with young children, since the grounds are easy to cover and most animals are easy to find.
Animals and areas
The grounds are divided into areas for small animals, mammals, predators, birds, reptiles and nocturnal animals, with an aquatic area as well. The animals come from Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas, and include Taiwan's endemic species.
The large animals include Formosan black bears, Bengal and Siberian tigers, African lions, African elephants, rhinos and orangutans. Mini horses, meerkats and peacocks are favorites with younger visitors. The aviary has a modest number of bird species but plenty of birds, and the peacocks come close.
The enclosures are laid out to resemble natural habitats, and exhibits on wildlife protection give the zoo a conservation and education focus. A small train runs inside the zoo, a ride of about 15 minutes. You can collect stamps and souvenirs on board.
Getting to the entrance
The entrance is uphill from the main road. Bus 56 runs from Kaohsiung Train Station via Yancheng MRT station and stops at the zoo entrance. On weekdays it runs about every half hour during the day, and on weekends every 15 to 20 minutes. Bus 219 from Jiachang MRT station stops in Gushan, and from there you walk up Wanshou Road.
Inside, the paths are steep in places. The entrance and restrooms are wheelchair accessible, and the grounds are spacious. A few exhibits can only be reached by stairs.
Wild macaques on the grounds
Formosan macaques live on Shoushan and move freely around the zoo, including near the food stalls. They watch for bags, wrappers and anything edible. Visitors have had food and even a wallet taken.
The rules are simple. Keep food packed away until you are away from the monkeys. Do not tease them with snacks. Do not touch them, and if one takes something, drop it instead of pulling it back.
Adding Monkey Mountain
The zoo is a short distance from the Shoushan hiking trails, so many people combine the two. The trail up Monkey Mountain is a steep climb on wooden boardwalks and stairs. The mountain is an uplifted coral reef, and the path passes sharp limestone and coral formations, mostly in the shade of subtropical forest. Platforms along the way look over the Kaohsiung skyline, the port and the Taiwan Strait.
The zoo's free lockers let you leave bags before the climb. Inside the zoo you will also find a cafe, a coffee shop, an ice cream stand, a gift shop, a playground, restrooms and water stations.
Häufige Fragen
How much does Shoushan Zoo cost?
Adult entry is NT$40, which makes it one of the cheapest zoos in Taiwan. Child pricing and free-entry periods change, so check the zoo's website before you go.
How long do you need at Shoushan Zoo?
Plan on about an hour and a half if you skip some areas, or a few hours to see everything. The zoo is small and easy to walk, though some paths are steep.
How do you get to Shoushan Zoo by public transport?
Take bus 56 from Kaohsiung Train Station via Yancheng MRT station to the entrance. Or take bus 219 from Jiachang MRT station and walk up Wanshou Road.
Are there monkeys at Shoushan Zoo?
Yes, wild macaques roam the grounds. Keep food and small items out of sight, do not tease them, and let go of anything they grab.
Can you store luggage at the zoo?
Yes, free lockers are available inside. They fit 24 and 28 inch suitcases, and staff can point you to them.
Is Shoushan Zoo wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restrooms and parking are wheelchair accessible, and the grounds are spacious. The approach to the entrance is uphill, and a few exhibits can only be reached by stairs.
