The New Shoushan Zoo/壽山動物園
The New Shoushan Zoo
◎Written by Peng Hsin-yi
◎Photos courtesy of Shoushan Zoo, Pao Chung-hui
Located on Shoushan Mountain, surrounded by natural beauty, Kaohsiung's zoo is one of only three public zoos in Taiwan. With a focus on conservation, there are hundreds of native plants that can be found on its 13 hectares. Last year, the zoo underwent a huge renovation project. Since its reopening, 700 thousand people (an increase of about 50%) have visited the zoo. The zoo's new layout complements the natural formation of the mountain and tree-lined walkways.
Shoushan zoo houses approximately 100 species and more than 600 animals from all over the world. Animals are exhibited according to their various regions and species. Areas include African animals, Taiwanese animals, primates and large birds. Amongst the most popular attractions are the lions, tigers, elephants and Taiwanese black bears. One of the most unique, new features is Taiwan's first petting zoo. Located on a small slope, it resembles a peaceful farm. The petting zoo includes boar, goats, mini horses, rabbits and other docile animals. Visitors are allowed to touch and feed the animals under staff supervision.
The zoo encourages both fun and education. Detailed descriptions are provided, so visitors can learn about each of the animals. There is also a 60 ping education center. The center exhibits nearly one hundred stuffed rare and wild animals, each with accompanying information. The center is divided into three sections, exhibiting various eco-systems, specimens of birds, reptiles and eggs. Visitors can also watch educational movies. It is definitely an opportunity to get greater insight into nature.
The zoo has also installed dancing water fountains for children to play in. Adults can watch the children and enjoy refreshments at the nearby coffee truck. Renovations included a new gift shop that offers an array of souvenirs, toys and stationary. The restaurants were also renovated. The food has been improved with the help of professional caterers. The zoo's visitor center now offers a nurse station, breastfeeding room, wheelchair and stroller rentals. The Shoushan Zoo is new and improved, welcoming visitors of all ages. People can enjoy the animal exhibits and learn about nature. It is an experience not to be missed.
壽山動物園
◎文／凌卓民
◎照片提供／壽山動物園、鮑忠暉
壽山動物園在去年大規模整修重新開園後，去年一年參觀人次高達七十萬以上，遊客人數成長五成。包括非洲動物區、台灣原生動物區、靈長動物區、大鳥園、兒童牧場、動物園餐廳、禮品店，壽山動物園以嶄新的面貌與更好的服務品質迎接大小朋友的到來。
◎來場知性又感性的動物園之旅
動物園位於壽山上，面積近十三公頃，是全台三座公立動物園之一，麻雀雖小五臟俱全，有來自世界各地近百種珍禽異獸，目前約六百隻。另外，由於壽山屬於石灰岩地質，因此園區對於環境維護特別重視，除了動物之外，園區中還有數百種的原生植物可供觀賞。傍山而建的動物園，樹木蔚然成林，襯著青翠山巒，跟著園中步道，漫步山林之間認識各種動物，是一趟知性又感性的旅程。
園中不僅有獅子、老虎、大象、台灣黑熊等動物明星，還設置了全國公立動物園首創的兒童牧場，牧場內有波爾羊、迷你馬、家兔等眾多可愛動物，翠綠山坡上點綴著茅草屋，動物們在草原上悠閒漫步食草，彷彿置身鄉間農場。在兒童牧場內，遊客在工作人員陪同下，可以近距離與可愛動物互動，享受餵食樂趣。
為了達到動物園的教育意義，在每種動物家門前都製作完善的解說設施，另外還規劃教育解說中心，在六十坪的空間中，外圍設計成動物標本展示窗，展出近百種各類珍稀野生動物標本，並有詳盡的解說資料。中心內分為圖說區、標本區及視聽區等三個部分，展示動物生態解說、禽鳥與爬蟲類及卵的標本，並可以欣賞有趣的生態教育影片，讓遊客對於自然生態有更深刻的了解。
◎服務全面提升
除了各色動物是吸睛焦點之外，親水廣場也是最受小朋友歡迎的地方之一，隨著音樂噴泉玩得不亦樂乎。親水廣場旁邊還有行動咖啡車，坐在池畔，啜飲香醇咖啡，看著孩子嬉戲，享受闔家出遊的歡樂時光。而委外經營的餐廳，提供遊客更好的餐飲服務品質，一旁還有具動物園特色的禮品店，從動物造型紀念品到各式玩具、文具應有盡有。
為了提升遊園服務品質，遊客中心內設計有護理站、哺乳室，另外還提供輪椅、娃娃車出借，貼心的壽山動物園正展開雙手，迎接遊客來場全新體驗。