Is the Taipei Zoo Worth Visiting in 2024?

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I've lived in Taiwan for over 5 years and love discovering all it has to offer. I made this blog to share Taiwan living and travel resources I wish I'd had.

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Category: Taipei Attractions, To Do

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I’ve been to the Taipei Zoo a couple of times and want to share what you’ll experience. This guide will help you decide if it’s worth visiting.

Here’s what I’ll cover:


Is the Taipei Zoo Worth Visiting?

Yes, Taipei Zoo is worth visiting. It offers diverse wildlife and excellent value. The tickets are affordable, and the exhibits, including the giant pandas, are impressive. Arrive early to get the best experience.


How to Get to the Taipei Zoo

These are the main ways to reach Taipei Zoo:

  • MRT
  • City bus
  • Uber/taxi
  • Driving: whether using your own vehicle or renting one

Let’s begin with the easiest option.


1. Taipei MRT

Take the Taipei MRT to Taipei Zoo Station on the Wanhu (Brown) Line.

One-way tickets cost between NT$20 – NT$65 per person.

The cost varies depending on your departure station.

There’s one exit that leads directly to the zoo. Walk 101 steps forward, then look right.

Then you’ll see the zoo.


2. City Bus

Several city buses stop at Taipei Zoo Station:

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Buses that go to the Taipei City Zoo.

Taking buses in Taiwan is often inconvenient. I’ve waited up to 20 minutes for a bus.

Then, many of the bus drivers treat the road like a game of bumper cars.

Recently, I’ve noticed slight improvements in their driving, but this can vary.

Anyway:

If you take a bus, download the Bus+ app. It helps track bus arrival times.


3. Shuttle Train

A shuttle train costs NT$5 per person.

It only transports you to-and-from the following areas in the zoo:

  • Koala House
  • Bird World
  • Maokong Gondola South Station

This may seem unnecessary, but it’s useful if you’re short on time.

If I had known about this, I wouldn’t have had to sprint through the zoo 10 minutes before it closed to see all the animals I wanted.

You can also take a shuttle bus to the Maokong Gondola.

It departs from Bird World Station and ends at the Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo South Station.

I’ll discuss the gondola later.


4. Driving, Ubers, & Taxis

The zoo has a large parking lot that costs up to NT$60 an hour.

Want to rent a car? Check out this guide.

Prefer to avoid public transportation and don’t want to rent a car?

Book an Uber. Taiwan has the app.

They don’t have other options like Grab, Lyft, and DiDi, though.

Or book a taxi.

I recommend doing so through these apps:

  • FindTaxi
  • 55688

I compare these apps in a separate piece.

You’ve made it to the zoo. Now what?


Map

Here’s a map of Taipei City Zoo:

taipei zoo map scaled
Map of Taipei City Zoo

Taipei Zoo Animals & Exhibits

1. The Red Panda Exhibit

When I first visited, the red panda was shy and stayed hidden.

This visit — when I took pictures — it felt a bit more social.

You’ll find around 3 red panda exhibits.

My favorite one was with a catwalk.

This red panda wanted to make an appearance and stroll down it:

red panda taipei zoo scaled
Red panda at the Taipei Zoo.

The other exhibits aren’t anything special. They have glass displays that allow you to see the red panda. The case with one of these active wasn’t hiding, but was in the middle of a siesta.

Let’s move on to a different type of panda.


2. The Giant Panda House

The giant panda house is home to 2 pandas:

  • Yuan Yuan; 圓圓 (mom)
  • Yuan Zai; 圓仔 (daughter)

Tuan Tuan, 團團, passed away in 2022 from a brain tumor.

Fun(ish) fact: Tuan and Yuan 圓團 mean “reunion.” China gifted the pandas to Taiwan, which sparked controversy over China’s claim on Taiwan and its “reunification” goal [1].

Anyway:

You’ll see the pandas in 1 of 2 spots:

  1. Outdoor exhibit
  2. Indoor exhibit: You’ll need to line up outside the building to enter
taipei zoo panda
Giant panda at Taipei Zoo.

The indoor exhibit can be overwhelming. People push through to take pictures of the pandas.

Some people cut in line. Expect this to happen.

After viewing the pandas, you’ll find a gift shop with panda-themed items.


3. Other Notable Animals & Exhibits

Here are all the different areas you’ll find and the animals inside:


1. Special areas:

  • Insect Valley & Insectarium
  • Giant Panda House
  • Koala House
  • Pangolin Dome
  • Penguin House
  • Amphibian & Reptile House
emperor penguin at the taipei zoo
Penguins at the Taipei Zoo.

2. Children’s Zoo:

AlpacaRaccoonSouth American Coati
DonkeyPonyLemur
MeerkatLanyu pig

3. Bird World:

Red Crowned CraneCrane GardenCockatoosParrots
PheasantsBlack-Faces SpoonbillScarlet IbisPigeons
DovesFlamingoDucksSwans
Pelicans
bird at the taipei zoo

4. Temperate Zone:

Red PandaAsian Black BearMountain Lion
TomistomaAmerican BisonGray Wolf
Pzewalkski’s HorseBrown BearFormosan Black Bear
taipei zoo tw black bear scaled

5. Africa Animal Area:

Olive BaboonChimpanzee
Western GorillaWhite Rhinoceros
LionEland
ZebraLemur
BonboAfrican Elephant
taipei zoo elephant scaled

6. Australia Animal Area:

  • Koala
  • Southern cassowary
  • Eastern gray kangaroo

7. Desert Animal Area:

  • Camel
  • African wild ass
  • Addax

8. Tropical Rainforest Area:

Bengal TigerAsian ElephantLeopardMalayan Tapir
OrangutanSiamangSmall-Clawed OtterBlack-Headed Squirrel Monkey
CapybaraGiant Anteater

This is my favorite area. Since it has the orangutan and capybara.

capybara taipei zoo scaled

9. Formosan Animal Area:

Formosan pangolinOtterFormosan serowSika
Black bearFormosan rock macaqueLeopardClouded leopard
Formosan wild boar

Ticket Prices & Opening Hours

I’ll cover pricing and hours throughout the following sections.

Aside from tickets, you’ll also want to consider food and souvenir costs. Prices aren’t high. Convenience store prices inside the zoo match those outside. The same goes for food trucks and stands.

Vending machines are everywhere, but drinks with electrolytes (like Pocari Sweat) are often sold out on busy days. The zoo allows outside food and drinks, so bring your own beverages.

Just don’t feed the animals.


Taipei Zoo Ticket Price

Ticket PriceNT$100
Ticket Price (Discount)NT$50
Education Center Ticket PriceNT$20
Group Tickets (30+ People)30% off
Disabled IndividualsFree (proof required)
Shuttle TrainNT$5
Taipei Zoo admission prices

Notes:

  • Eligible for discounts:
    • Kids aged 6 – 11
    • Taipei citizen with ARC (ID card for foreigners)
    • International student with ISIC card
  • Other fees:
  • Wheelchair rental: NT$1,000 refundable deposit
  • Stroller rental: NT$50 + NT$1,000 deposit

Other sources list the ticket price as NT$60, but that’s outdated. As of 2024, the zoo raised the price to NT$100.

You can buy tickets at the counter, online, or use one of the following smart cards to enter:

You won’t need to visit a ticket booth with these cards.

Go to the gate, tap your card on the scanner, and enter. Each person will need their own card.

Make sure to add value to your cards at convenience stores or metro stations.

Read this if you buy a ticket from sites like KKday or KLOOK.

If you buy a ticket from these sites, you’ll receive a QR code.

Don’t visit the ticket booth. Instead, use this machine:

taipei zoo klook machine

Scan your QR code, and it will print tickets. The number of tickets depends on how many you purchased. Don’t use these tickets at the entry gate.

You’ll find zoo staff standing by the gates.

Hand them the printed tickets, and they’ll open the gate for you.

If you’re visiting other Taiwan tourist spots (e.g., Taipei 101), I recommend getting the FunPASS or KLOOK Taipei Pass.

The former offers free entry to many spots. The latter, discounts into such areas.

Read my guide on Taipei’s FunPASS to learn whether it’s worth getting.

When can you enter the zoo, though?


Taipei Zoo Opening Hours

The zoo area opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Indoor and outdoor exhibits open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Don’t ignore this part.

These exhibits close during certain days:

InsectariumClosed on the 4th Monday of every month
Reptile & Amphibian HouseClosed on the 3rd Monday of every month
Pangolin Dome & Penguin HouseClosed on the 2nd Monday of every month
Giant Panda HouseClosed on the 1st Monday of every month
“Cool” Eco House, Education Center, Animal Art WorkshopClosed every Monday

What to Do Near the Zoo

Here are nearby attractions to the Taipei Zoo:

AttractionTo Do
Maokong MountainTea houses & hiking
Zhinan TempleReligious site
Things to do near the Taipei Zoo.

Taipei Zoo is far from the city center.

Between visiting the zoo and Maokong village (貓空), you’ll have a full day trip.

At night, return to Taipei City via the MRT.

I couldn’t find exact details on what people pray for at Zhinan Temple. However, it honors the immortal Lu Dongbin.

There’s a superstition that he’s jealous of couples and might try to break them up if they enter together.

If you’re even a little superstitious, consider avoiding the temple as a couple.

Let’s talk about the gondola.


Maokong Gondola & Cable Car

The Maokong Gondola starts at the Taipei Zoo Station and travels to several stops:

  • Taipei Zoo South Station
  • Zhinan Temple Station:
    • Zhinan Temple
  • Maokong Station:
    • Tea houses
    • Sanxuan Temple
    • Zhanshan Temple
    • Century-old banyan tree
    • Taipei Tea Promotion Center
    • Tianen Temple

There are many temples along the way.

The mountains are also a great place to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve if the sky is clear.

Each trip costs NT$70, NT$100, or NT$120, depending on how far you go.

You can pay for tickets online, via smart cards (like EasyCard), or at the ticket booth.

Let’s move on to some helpful tips for travelers.


Helpful Tidbits for Travelers

Is It Worth Visiting?Yes
Average Time Spent3+ hrs
Entry FeeNT$100
HoursDaily: 9 AM – 5 PM
Best Time to VisitMorning on a nice day
AddressNo. 30號, Section 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, 116
Websiteenglish.zoo.gov.taipei
City LocatedTaipei City
Free Wi-FiiTaiwan or Taipei Free
Luggage StorageTaipei Zoo MRT Station and by the Visitor Center in the zoo
Locker (Large): NT$20/hr
Locker (Small): NT$10/hr

Should I Go to the Maokong Gondola or Taipei Zoo First?

Go to Taipei Zoo first, then take the Gondola later.

Arriving early at the zoo helps you avoid the crowds. You’ll likely be there during the midday heat, but there’s plenty of shade.

Once the sun’s about to set,  take the gondola to the mountains. Find a tea house, and enjoy the sunset.

On New Year’s Eve, spend the entire day at the zoo, then return to Maokong Mountain by 8 PM to wait for the fireworks at midnight.

It’s my favorite spot to watch fireworks because:

  • More laid-back
  • Can watch fireworks with hot food and drinks
  • No crowds
    • The crowds waiting in front of Taipei 101 have gotten ridiculous
  • No pushing through hordes of people to sit in front of Taipei 101

Why 8 PM?

To get a seat. So, bring something to pass the time.

I recommend getting a combination ticket for the Maokong Gondola and Taipei Zoo.

This will save you a little money and get you KKday or KLOOK points.

Let’s look at some tips for the zoo.


Travelers Tips

Here’s what I recommend when visiting the Taipei Zoo:

  • Wear sunscreen
  • Buy drinks before going to the zoo
  • Bring bug spray
  • Avoid visiting on Mondays since some exhibits close
  • See the pandas first before crowds arrive
  • Watch out for people cutting in line at the panda exhibit
  • Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds
  • Don’t use a flash on your camera
  • Consider getting the FunPASS
    • It gets you free entry into the Taipei Zoo and other attractions in Taipei

The zoo has convenience stores, but during my last visit, stores and vending machines were sold out of sports drinks. Buy these in advance and bring them with you.


Amenities & Facilities

The visitor center includes a breastfeeding room, drinking water, first aid, a broadcasting station, and staff who speak multiple languages to provide zoo information. They also offer wheelchair and stroller rentals.

Lockers are available near the zoo entrance for storing belongings.

They have AED machines everywhere.

Aside from the entrance, you’ll find themed gift shops in these areas:

  • Giant Panda House
  • Insectarium
  • Hippopotamus Square
  • Penguin House
  • Pangolin Dome
taipei zoo hippo scaled

Let’s check out pricing and hours.


Is Taipei Zoo Ethical?

From my understanding, Taipei Zoo is as ethical as you can get.

Here’s the long answer:

Taipei Zoo is a member of several international zoo associations, such as:

  • WAZA (World Association of Zoos & Aquariums): Sets global standards for zoos and aquariums.
  • EAZA (European Association of Zoos & Aquaria): Accredits zoos and oversees breeding programs.
  • SEAZA (South East Asian Zoos Association): Helps zoos in Southeast Asia by providing training and guidance.
  • TAZA (Taiwan Aquarium & Zoological Park Association): Represents Taiwan’s zoos and aquariums.

These associations have guidelines for animal care, which Taipei Zoo follows.

WAZA has a Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare that states that,

“WAZA members must ensure that the animals in their care are treated with respect and are provided with conditions that strive to meet their physical, behavioral and psychological needs [2].”

EAZA has an Animal Welfare Strategy focused on promoting and improving welfare standards in zoos.

Being a member of these associations doesn’t guarantee perfect conditions. The space and quality of enclosures can vary depending on the species, design, and management.

Opinions on whether animals have enough space may differ. You can assess this by observing the animals’ behavior and comparing it to their wild counterparts or other zoos.


History

The Taipei Zoo was founded in 1914 by a Japanese man named Oe. It started as a private garden in Yuan-shan during Japan’s rule over Taiwan.

A year later, the Japanese government bought it and turned it into a public park. After World War II, in 1946, the Taipei City Government took over the zoo.

In 1986, the zoo moved to its current location in Muzha. It covers 165 hectares, of which more than 90 hectares are open to the public.

The zoo focuses on conservation, education, research, and recreation. It houses over 350 animal species, including giant pandas, koalas, penguins, and pangolins.


Fun Facts

Taipei Zoo Ranking in the World43 *
Chinese Name臺北市立動物園; Táiběi shìlì dòngwùyuán

I couldn’t find official ranking systems. This is the “best” ranking I could find [3].


FAQs

Are There Any Guided Tours Available at the Taipei Zoo?

To get a guided tour at the Taipei Zoo, apply 10 days prior to your arrival by filling out this application form [PDF]. The link also shows where to submit your application.

Can You Bring Your Own Food to the Taipei Zoo?

You can bring your own food to the Taipei Zoo.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography in the Zoo?

The only restriction on photography is that you cannot use your camera’s flash function.


Sources

  1. China sends goodwill pandas to Taiwan. CNN. 12/23.
  2. Code of ethics. WAZA. 10/23. PDF.
  3. Best zoos in the world. TourScanner. 7/27/2023.