Hsinchu City Zoo Celebrates 90th Anniversary with Launch of 'Zoo My Way' Event Series

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of Hsinchu City Zoo, the Hsinchu City Government has specially planned the 'Zoo My Way' 90th-anniversary event series. Today (20th), a press conference was held at the City Hall, where Mayor Kao Hung-an officially announced the launch of the series. Starting in August, a range of exciting events will roll out, including a giant inflatable installation of the popular hippo 'Lele', the 'Meerkat Princess and Prince Selection Contest' celebrating the birth of new meerkat family members, and the grand finale 'Zoo My Way Wild Parade Costume Party!'—a vibrant animal carnival street parade. Mayor Kao invites the entire nation to witness this significant milestone of Taiwan’s oldest existing zoo.

Mayor Kao Hung-an stated that since its founding in 1936, Hsinchu City Zoo has not only accompanied generations of citizens but also upheld vital missions in animal conservation, environmental education, and life education. The 90th anniversary is not only a moment worth commemorating but also symbolizes the zoo’s continuous progress toward new milestones. She sincerely invites people nationwide to visit the zoo, engage with animals, connect with nature through the 'Zoo My Way' series, and create their own cherished zoo memories.

Mayor Kao emphasized that to enhance animal welfare and create a more animal-friendly living environment, the city government has continuously advanced the optimization of the zoo’s exhibition areas. Since 2023, NT$38 million has been invested to improve animal enclosures and service facilities. Space planning is based on animal behavior and needs, with expanded activity areas, greenery, perches, and heating equipment introduced to provide animals with more comfortable and safe living conditions. Optimization projects have already been completed for the gibbon, flamingo, tall-grass waterfowl pond, and raccoon enclosures in the petting zoo area, giving animals like raccoons more naturalistic habitats where they can exhibit more natural behaviors, enhancing visitors’ experience of animal habitats.

Mayor Kao further noted that the zoo actively collaborates with science parks and tech partners to introduce innovative ideas, improving animal quality of life through environmental enrichment. For example, the orangutan 'Xiong Da' has benefited from increased interactive, exploratory, and activity spaces, helping improve his emotional well-being and enabling healthier living in a more suitable environment. Additionally, the petting zoo has recently welcomed new residents such as Aldabra giant tortoises and false gharials, adding ecological highlights. The city government continues to upgrade service facilities like gift shops and restaurants, comprehensively optimizing animal care, education outreach, and recreational experiences. Guided by the three core principles of 'animal welfare, education outreach, and entertainment service,' the zoo aims to create a friendly environment that respects animal behavior while offering educational value and high-quality leisure.

Mayor Kao highlighted that this year’s most anticipated new arrivals are a pair of meerkat babies born on May 20—a male and a female named 'Meng Brown' and 'Ning Meng Ta,' respectively. They have successfully weaned and started eating solid food, and their lively, adorable appearance has won the hearts of caretakers. Meerkats live in matriarchal societies where the entire family helps raise the young. Non-breeding females even act as 'nannies,' collectively nursing the babies, showcasing a highly cooperative family culture and offering visitors a close-up view of precious life education stories in the animal kingdom.

Kao explained that on August 9, the 'Meerkat Princess and Prince Selection Contest' costume parade will be held, with registration now open. Open to all ages, participants who dress up as cute meerkats have a chance to win an Apple Watch and an exclusive 'Meerkat Princess and Prince' scepter. Alongside a meerkat family meet-and-greet, photo zones and a themed market will be set up, inviting children and adults alike to celebrate the zoo’s 90th anniversary.

The city government also announced that on September 12, the 'Zoo My Way Wild Parade Costume Party!' will take place, led by a 3-meter-tall hippo 'Lele' as the ambassador, guiding participants and costume teams in a street parade around Hsinchu Park. On-site activities will include children’s theater performances, a themed market, and a stamp-collecting event. The city encourages citizens to create animal-themed costumes and props using recycled materials, promoting sustainable practices. Participants wearing recycled-material outfits will receive additional rewards.

Citizens are encouraged to visit Hsinchu City Zoo during summer vacation to experience the festive atmosphere of the 90th-anniversary celebrations. Event details are available on the Hsinchu City Zoo official website and Facebook fan page.