“Ever wonder what Shanghai’s ‘Western Suburbs Park’ is?” It’s actually the Shanghai Zoo. This amazing place started as livery stables in 1890. Later, in 1916, it became the Hung-Jao Golf Club.
Fast forward to 1954. The government opened the former golf course as Xijiao Park. Then in 1959, animal enclosures were added. Finally, in 1980, it was renamed Shanghai Zoological Park.
Today, the Shanghai Zoo is one of Shanghai’s best ecological gardens. More than 6000 animals live here. About 600 are Chinese animals. Giant pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys call this home. So do South China tigers and Bactrian camels.
But that is not all. The Shanghai Zoo also has animals from around the globe. Chimpanzees and giraffes roam here. Zebras and kangaroos also live at the zoo. Even gorillas and ring-tailed lemurs.
The zoo is always improving. They want better homes for the animals. They strive to provide pleasurable experiences for us. The zoo has planted 100000 trees. These trees represent nearly 600 species. Green spaces cover 100000 square meters.
The Shanghai Zoo creates friendly environments. Swan Lake provides shade for birds. Pelicans, geese, and black swans thrive here. Night herons find refuge too. The Shanghai Zoo wants visitors to learn. They also want you to appreciate animals. The zoo combines fun with science. It helps people understand how to protect wildlife. Since opening, over 150 million people have visited.
Before you leave the Shanghai Zoo, think about what you’ve seen. Remember the animals and their homes. Consider how you can help protect them. The Shanghai Zoo hopes you leave with a better understanding of the natural world. Perhaps you’ll even tell a friend of two about the wonders of the Shanghai Zoo.