TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei Zoo has extended its Saturday opening hours until 9 p.m. during the summer for nine consecutive weeks, starting on July 6.
The special nighttime hours for the zoo coincide with summer heat. Animals as well as visitors can be lethargic from the heat. Therefore, later closing hours over summer vacation for many school-aged children will bring more people to the zoo as it celebrates its 110th anniversary this year, per a press release.
This year, a "Night FUN Adventure Train" will be in operation, taking children and adults to explore secret areas of the zoo that are not usually open to the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to listen to the croaking of the Taipei grass frog the zoo is actively trying to revive, as well as an insect cinema. Visitors will also be able to visit a rest area for animals in the tropical rainforest area.
The zoo is hosting a treasure hunt where children collect 13 stamps hidden in the park representing different animals to qualify for a gift, which can be collected at the customer service center.
Taipei Zoo Director Chen Yi-tsung (諶亦聰) said the late opening hours will highlight 13 different species of animals at the zoo with special talks, animal feed periods, and audio-visual presentations. Some of the species to be featured include the clouded leopard, white antelope, zebra, and others.
Chen said that through first-hand accounts by conservationists and zoo keepers, the public can learn more about wild animals and environmental conservation. Furthermore, observing these animals at night can further enhance the public’s knowledge.
The zoo also reminded the public that it will be closed from June 19–28 for annual maintenance. For more information, visit the zoo’s official website.
