This week, I have a very special and cuddly blog post for y’all! As part of my Wednesday Mandarin class, we had the option to pick one of two field trips, and with my love of animals, how could I resist the Taipei Zoo? Nestled in the lush hills of Muzha, it offers a wild escape from the urban jungle. Home to numerous animals from around the globe, this sprawling zoo provides a fascinating glimpse into diverse ecosystems worldwide. I was particularly impressed by its sheer size – it’s one of the largest zoos in Asia, and spending all day there was barely enough! Come along now as we explore the highlights, from playful pandas to majestic elephants and sleeping koalas.
First, it’s important to note I was blown away by how affordable the Taipei Zoo is! Anyone can gain entry to the zoo for only NT$100 (~$3), with Taipei residents like myself able to acquire entry for NT$50 (~$1.50). Now, to my knowledge, the Taipei Zoo is funded almost entirely by ticket revenue, so their ability to provide so much for such a low price is extraordinarily impressive. My guess is that the huge volume of visitors (seriously, it was packed that Saturday) makes it profitable. This only increases my frustration with my local zoo back home in Atlanta, where a family of four can expect to pay at least $75 total on the cheapest days.
The Taipei Zoo is cleverly designed with a main path that winds up the hillside, offering stunning views of the surrounding environment. As you ascend, you encounter different zones representing various global ecosystems. Near the entrance, the Formosan Animal Area showcases Taiwan’s native wildlife, while further up, you’ll find African and Asian animals roaming spacious enclosures. A personal highlight of mine was the Tropical Rainforest Area, where a raised walkway gives you a bird’s-eye view of playful monkeys and colorful birds. During my visit, some of the tamarin monkeys got very close to me and the rest of the guests, jumping from one side of the walkway to the other (my favorite memory). Rest areas, cafes, and even a charming little train are conveniently located throughout the zoo. Despite the large crowds, I thought the layout did an excellent job of preventing bottlenecks and allowing for a smooth flow of visitors.
And with that collection of adorable content, I now conclude by offering some brief apologies if you found this week’s post a little shorter. First, I was looking for an excuse to share some cute animal pictures, and second, I had to deal with some unexpected challenges this week that left me low on energy. Next week’s post will look at the Taoyuan Martyrs Shrine as I discuss the legacy of Japanese imperialism, particularly in the case of certain architecture around Taiwan. See you all then and I hope y’all are keeping warm!
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