Opened in 1958, Guangzhou Zoological Garden sprawls across 42 hectares. It houses a vibrant collection of over 5,000 animals. These represent about 400 different species. Some are native to China, others from around the globe. Guangzhou Zoological Garden is a popular destination. It welcomes an impressive 4 million visitors every year. This places it among the top three zoos in China.
Guangzhou Zoological Garden isn’t just home to animals. It holds cherished memories for many. Bao Long, the iconic Asian elephant, lived at the zoo for nearly five decades. He became a local celebrity. Visitors fondly remember photographing him and sharing their pictures online. Bao Long even starred in the 2023 movie “Love Never Ends”. He shared a scene with renowned actors Ni Dahong and Kara Wai. His sudden death in 2024, at age 48, saddened the entire city. An autopsy revealed he died from cardiopulmonary failure. It also uncovered a lung injury caused by a rib fracture.
Bao Long’s legacy extends beyond his film debut. His parents, gifts from India and Vietnam, arrived at Guangzhou Zoological Garden in the 1950s and 60s. They became the foundation of the zoo’s Asian elephant breeding program. This program achieved a major milestone in May 1966. Guangzhou Zoological Garden became the first zoo in China to successfully breed an Asian elephant. The zoo’s logo, an elephant, honors this achievement.
Guangzhou Zoological Garden also boasts specialized areas like the Ocean World. It houses over 200 species of fish and marine life. Visitors can marvel at the Undersea Tunnel, the Deep-sea Landscape, and the 18-meter Tropical Reef Tank. Other highlights include the Treasure Tank, Touch Pool, and Shark Aquarium. The Kangaroo House offers unique views. A wooden trestle bridge allows visitors to observe kangaroos in a glass-fenced playground. The Bird House spans 8,000 square meters. Here, birds roam freely, separated by streams and rocks, not wire fences. The Gorilla House, with its garden-style playground, provides close encounters with these magnificent primates. And for a touch of whimsy, the Goldfish Displays showcase thousands of varieties. This includes over 100 valuable species, earning the zoo a Guinness World Record.