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Top 10 fun facts about Muhza Zoo

Muhza Zoo also known as Taipei Municipal Zoo is a public zoological garden in Wushen district, Taipei

Taiwan. It is world-renowned for research, conservation, education, and recreation. It boasts of over 4 million visitors annually. Visitors will be spoilt for choice, viewing over 400 species of land animals and many more species of birds, aquatic animals, and insects sourced from Taiwan, Africa, Australia, the Asian tropical rain forest, desert, and temperate zones. Online viewers have also been treated to live streams of animals in action during momentous occasions or going about their business through animal cameras.

1. Muhza Zoo Started in 1914

 Muhza Zoo was formed in 1914 known then as Murayama Zoo later renamed Yuanshan Zoo. It was privately owned during the Japanese occupation. The Japanese government in Taiwan bought it the following year and opened it to the public. The operational reigns of the zoo were handed over to the Taipei city government in 1945. During WW2 and due to the fact that Taiwan is an island nation with no easy way to transfer animals to other countries, large animals like bears, leopards, and lions were killed at the zoo out of fear of escape and potential harm to people following the aerial bombardment. The area sits on today was realized after thirteen years of planning and construction spanning from 1973 due to expansion constraints at the original Yuanshan site. The move was completed to much fanfare in 1986 to the current site at Muhza.  Muhza Zoo bore the brunt of a typhoon in 2015, causing a contemporary shutdown and NT14 million in damage and repair costs. Taipei Zoo is also referred to as Muhza Zoo to differentiate it from the original Yuanshan Zoo.

2. Muhza Zoo is the Biggest Zoo in Asia

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 Muhza Zoo is the biggest zoo in Asia. It sits on 195 hectares of land with 90 hectares open to the public. There are many aviaries, pens, special purpose buildings, eateries, and convenience stores like McDonald’s and 7-11 coupled with vending machines dotted throughout the zoo. Due to its sheer size, visitors are encouraged to wear clothes covering most of the body to avoid bug bites, comfortable shoes, hats, and umbrellas for long walks in the sun, especially in the summer.

3. Lin Wang was a Notable resident

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 Lin Wang was an Asian elephant that enjoyed almost iconic status in Taiwan. Affectionately referred to as grandpa Lin Wang the Asian elephant lived between 1917 and 2003 (86 yrs) outliving his counterparts in the wild by close to 20 years. Lin Wang served with the Chinese Expeditionary force in the second Sino-Japanese war (1937 to 1945). Lin Wang was eventually moved into the Yuanshan Zoo in 1954 to tie the knot with his companion Ma Lan, an elephant imported from Japan. the Guinness Book Of Records 2016 recognized grandpa Lin Wang as the oldest living elephant at the time of his death. The average life expectancy for Asian elephants living in the wild is 70 years. The much-loved Lin Wang has been immortalized through taxidermy and is on display at the Muhza Zoo.

4. The Giant Panda House is the most Famous

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The most famous attraction at Muhza Zoo is the Giant panda house. The structure is home to Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan (meaning unity or reunion) which were presented as a gift from China as part of an exchange program in 2008. Though the idea had been mooted in 2005 the exchange could only take place after new leadership that was on friendlier terms with China. The lovable duo produced their first offspring Yuan Zai(meaning little round thing or yuan’s child) on 6th July 2013. The couple went on to get another cub Yuan Bao(meaning round baby) on 28th June 2020. The zoo at some point had to offer rebuttal photographs when rumors started that Tuan Tuan had died. These bears continue to draw massive numbers of visitors as the greatest attraction.

5. Muhza Zoo Houses Pangolin Bleeding Program 

This magnificent structure e cost NT$390 million and was inspired by the elusive anteaters. It is dedicated to creating awareness of and geared towards eradication of wildlife trafficking in general including the illicit pangolin trade. Pangolin meat and scales have been seized in massive amounts in China and SE Asian countries but fortunately, the pangolin is protected by law. Muhza Zoo adopted the pangolin rescue program in 1997 and is now a leader in husbandry practices and successful breeding programs. The infrastructure embodies Muhza Zoo’s endeavor to join "100 species for conservation action" launched by Dr. Cecilia Koo. The site has 6 outdoor exhibits and one main structure all set on 1.5 hectares. It showcases the diversity of the tropical rainforests from around the world. The main structure is 3000 m squared and 24 m in height. Over 40 animal species and 250 plant species are on display here and visitors will enjoy the two-toed sloth, to the majestic curassow.

6. Muhza Zoo Segmentations

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Muhza Zoo has skillfully subdivided the outdoor exhibits by geographical area and educational value. There is the Children’s Zoo, a Formosan animal area featuring animals endemic to Taiwan like the Asiatic black bear, Formosan pangolin, and the clouded leopard. The African animal area and bird world. Visitors are also treated to the koala habitat, the penguin habitat, the amphibian and reptile house, and the insectarium.

7. Muhza Zoo Entry fees

 Visitors will be happy to note that the charges are pretty modest at only NT$60(2 USD) for adults and NT$30(1 USD) for documented students. Infants and people with special considerations are exempt. Tickets can be bought online. Other comparable parks generally charge more.

8. Muhza Zoo Awards

 In 2020 Muhza Zoo was awarded the Japanese foreign minister’s commendation recognizing its contribution to the advancement of mutual understanding between Japan and Taiwan. Other awards include the Giant Panda Zoo award and the Boredpanda listing as one of the 25 most creative statues and sculptures for its hippo square.

9. Ease of Access

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Visitors are encouraged to use mass transport systems. Muhza Zoo is connected to the Taipei mass rapid transit system through the Wenhu line. Other means of accessing the park are through high-speed rail trains and long-distance buses. From Taipei city hall take the G1, BR18, or BR21 to Taipei Zoo.

10. Enjoy the Gondola ride

From Muhza Zoo visitors can take the Maokong gondola ride from two stations and ride to the Zhinan temple station and Maokong station. The Maokong gondola ride offers a spectacular night view of Taipei city. Other tourist attraction sites are also easily accessed from