It was founded in 1978 but moved to its present location in 1986.[2] The zoo belongs to the Scenic Area Administration of Kaohsiung City now.
A number of incidents in 2007 brought to light varying issues the zoo had accumulated over the years. From reports of zoo staff not knowing the species and sex of its animals to veterinarians losing limbs to a crocodile, further investigation drew forth acknowledgement of the zoo's lack of funding and manpower.[3] Visiting experts and directors have described it as the worst government-run zoo in Taiwan in consideration of terrible conditions their animals are kept in.[4] Since then however, the zoo has undergone a considerable renovation project in 2009 costing NT$150 million. Whether or not this was related to the then unconfirmed plan to import two white tigers is debatable, but the zoo reopened on July 12 in the same year after 5 months of reconstruction and as of 26 May 2011 does indeed now have the aforementioned animals.[5][6][7]
The Deer Park, known as the Little Nara of Shoushan, is created with a high-level coral reef forest environment where visitors can watch sika deer up close.[9]
Formosan Animal Area
This area is designed to simulate the native ecosystem with animals native to Taiwan. The Formosan black bear is showcased in the Hut of Black Bear. The other animals included in this area are the Formosan muntjac, Taiwan serow and South American coati.
Friendly Animal Area
The Hut of Capybara is located in this area, which it includes many capybaras.
MRT Yanchengpu Station - Exit from Exit 4. Turn right on Wufu 4th Road for about 10 meters and take bus No. 56 in front of Hua Nan Bank to Shoushan Zoo.
LRT Wenwu Temple Station -Get off the LRT at Wenwu Temple Station. Follow Dagong Road and turn right on Gushan 1st Road for about 50 meters to take bus 56 at Taipower Station to Shoushan Zoo.
Alternatively, visitors can get the Bus 219 service to Gushan Administration Center, then walk along Wanshou Road, passing by Yuanheng Temple, Wanshou Mountain Bridge and the zoo parking area to arrive at the main entrance.
