The history of the zoo can be traced back over 90 years ago. In 1914, when Taiwan was still under Japanese sovereignty, Mr. Oe, a Japanese, established a private zoological garden in Yuan-shan, on the northern suburb of Taipei City. The Japanese Government in Taiwan purchased the property the next year and turned it into a public park. After World War II, Taipei Zoo was formally taken over by the Taipei City in 1946. In 1970, the amusement park next to the zoo was consolidated into a 5.8 hectares park, providing entertainments and education for several generations of children and adults.
With the social awareness on conservation and environmental education increases, Taipei Zoo, equipped with expertise on animal care and knowledge on natural history, was committed to be the leader in environmental education and wildlife conservation. The original site of the zoo was constrained by its area. The plan to build a modern zoo in Taipei was undertaken in 1973.
After 13 years planning and construction, the old zoo was officially closed on 15 August, 1986, marked the end of the Yuan-shan era; while the new zoo, located in Mu-Zha district in southern part of the city, held the grand opening on the New Year's Day the next year.
The four main functions of Taipei Zoo have been: conservation, education, research, and recreation. More than 4 million visiters come to the zoo annually. Taipei Zoo also is the host on several international conferences on conservation related topics. In addition, Taipei Zoo has planned and executed several city-wide educational activities on wildlife conservation over the years.
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