Guide to Taipei Zoo: What to See and How to Make the Most of Your Visit (台北市立動物園）
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your visit to Taipei Zoo, including how to get there, what to expect, and my tips for your visit.
The Taipei Zoo has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From school field trips to its original, much smaller site to multiple visits at its current location, it’s a place full of fond memories.
I’ve also taken my son there several times when he was younger and loved watching his excitement as he looked at the animals.
If you are planning your visit to Taipei and looking for a place everyone (especially the kids) will enjoy, the Taipei Zoo is a great option.
Ready to learn more about the zoo? Let’s dive in!
About The Zoo
Taipei Zoo has a long history that dates back to 1914, when it was first established during the Japanese colonial period.
Originally located in Yuanshan, the zoo was much smaller, with limited space and animals. In 1986, it moved to its current location in Muzha. The relocation allowed the zoo to expand significantly, creating larger, more natural enclosures and themed areas.
Today, Taipei Zoo is one of the largest in Asia, spanning 165 hectares (about 407 acres). Of this, around 90 hectares are open to the public, while the rest are used for conservation, research, and undeveloped forested areas.
The zoo’s huge size means there’s plenty to explore, but it also means you’ll be doing a lot of walking. But don’t worry—the zoo offers a shuttle train to help you move between areas and save energy. Stroller rentals are also available, so your young child can rest if they get tired from walking.
Here is the link to the zoo’s website. You will find lots of helpful information.
Getting There
Getting to Taipei Zoo by MRT is easy and convenient. Take the Brown Line (Wenhu Line) to its final stop: Taipei Zoo Station (BR1). The zoo entrance is right outside of the station.
Just to give you some perspective: taking the MRT from Taipei Main Station to Taipei Zoo Station takes about 40 minutes.
Hours Of Operation & Tickets
The ticket price for general admission is NT$100 per person (about $3 USD), which is incredibly cheap considering how much there is to see at the zoo! In my opinion, it’s a fantastic deal for such a large and well-maintained attraction.
You may purchase your tickets at the entrance, or online.
The zoo is open from 9:00 to 17:00 daily. In 2025, it will be closed to the public on Lunar New Year’s Eve (Jan 28, 2025) and late June (From Jun 18 to Jun 27, 2025).
In addition, each of the following exhibits has a designated closing day every month (on a Monday). Please see the details below and try to avoid going on a Monday to make the most of your visit.
What To See
Taipei Zoo features a diverse range of animals, organized by themed exhibits. There are 8 outdoor display areas and 6 indoor areas.
Please see below for the map (or click on this link to see the map in a new window).
Highlights Of Your Visit
There are some famous animals at the Taipei Zoo. Be sure to see them:
Giant Panda
The giant pandas are the biggest attractions.
A panda family of three lives in the Panda House. The parents, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, were gifted by China in 2008, with their names together meaning “reunion.” In 2014, they welcomed their baby, Yuan Zai, making her the first giant panda born in Taiwan.
Visitors can observe their playful behaviors in the Panda House, designed to mimic their natural habitat. The exhibit also emphasizes panda conservation efforts and offers educational information about their diet, habits, and endangered status.
Formosan Black Bear
Known for the white, V-shaped mark on their chest, Formosan black bears are primarily found in Taiwan’s mountainous forests at elevations of 1,000–3,000 meters.
You can see the Formosan black bears in the Formosan Animal area.
African Animals
This has always been a favorite area for our family. You will see giraffes, elephants, zebra, lions and many more over there.
Pangolin Dome
Inside the Tropical Rainforest Area is an impressive Pangolin Dome. Inspired by the endangered Formosan pangolin, the dome not only highlights Taiwan’s conservation success but also showcases the zoo’s dedication to protecting wildlife.
As you enter, the spiraling path takes you through a dynamic rainforest environment, starting underwater and rising to the canopy. Along the way, you’ll encounter free-ranging animals like cotton-top tamarins, sloths, and scarlet ibises.
One of the most mesmerizing stops is the Arapaima Pool, where you can marvel at Amazonian giants like silver arowanas and pearl stingrays through crystal-clear underwater views.
There is also the Nocturnal Zone, where you will see creatures such as the fat-tailed dwarf lemur, Azara’s night monkey, and pygmy slow loris.
Children’s Zoo
If you have small children, the Children’s Zoo at Taipei Zoo is a must-visit spot. This area is specially designed for younger visitors to get up close to animals in a fun and interactive way. Your kids will love meeting friendly animals like goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, and they’ll have the chance to learn more about how these animals live.
The space is thoughtfully designed to be family-friendly, with shaded areas, benches, and plenty of open space for little ones to explore safely.
Tips For Visiting
Here are my 3 personal tips about visiting the zoo:
Plan ahead by deciding which areas to visit – The zoo is so large that it’s nearly impossible to see all the animals in one visit. If you have the chance to visit multiple times, that’s ideal! But if not, it’s a good idea to choose the animals or areas you want to see beforehand to make the most of your time.
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Be prepared for uphill paths and long distances between exhibits. To save some energy, consider using the zoo’s shuttle train, rent a stroller for your young children, and rent a locker to put away stuff you don’t need during the visit.
Arrive early – The zoo opens at 9:00 AM, and arriving early gives you time to explore before the crowds build up. Plus, the animals tend to be more active in the morning when it’s cooler.
Conclusion
The Taipei Zoo is a great destination if you are planning to visit Taipei with your family. The giant pandas, Formosan black bears, the African animal area, and the Rainforest Pangolin Dome are must-see exhibits in my opinion.
I hope this post is helpful to you!
