This article needs additional citations for verification .(July 2024) |
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens | |
---|---|
22°16′40″N114°9′23″E / 22.27778°N 114.15639°E | |
Date opened | 1871 |
Location | Central, Hong Kong |
Land area | 5.6 hectare (14 acres) |
No. of animals | 700+ |
Website | www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/hkzbg/en/index.php |
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional Chinese | 香港動植物公園 | ||||||||||||
Simplified Chinese | 香港动植物公园 | ||||||||||||
|
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens(HKZBG) is one of the oldest zoological and botanical centres in the world,and the oldest park in Hong Kong. [1] Founded in 1864,its first stage was opened to the public in 1871. [2] It occupies an area of 5.6 hectares (14 acres)[ citation needed ] in Central, [3] on the northern slope of Victoria Peak. [4]
Similar to Hong Kong Park,Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens provides a natural environment and atmosphere. While physically smaller than Hong Kong Park it contains more plants,animals and facilities.
The park was previously named Bing Tau Fa Yuen (Chinese :兵頭花園). [2] "Bing Tau" literally means 'the head of the soldiers' or the 'commander-in-chief'. According to the Hong Kong government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department,it was nicknamed as such by the city's Cantonese community,as it was the former site of the city's Government House. [5] Others[ who? ] say Bing Tau is just the phonetic transliteration of the first two syllables of the word botanical.[ citation needed ] In the old days,many lovers liked to go there on a date.[ citation needed ] During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong,it was renamed as TaishōKōen (大正公園,たいしょうこうえん).[ citation needed ]
The founder of The Garden Company Limited discussed at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens and came up with the idea of starting a company;therefore,it was named after "Garden" and its Cantonese transliteration "Garden". The park was closed from 1931 to 1933 to allow for the construction of a reservoir under the park. [6]
Many famous people have visited the park under the name of the Wildlife Fund,[ citation needed ] including Prince Philip,Duke of Edinburgh (in 1983)[ citation needed ] and Princess Anne of England (in 1988).[ citation needed ]
Located at the southern entrance to the gardens,at Upper Albert Road,sits the Chinese War Memorial,which is dedicated to the Chinese who died assisting the Allies during World War I and World War II. The inscription on the lintel reads:"In Memory of the Chinese who died loyal to the Allied cause in the Wars of 1914–1918 and 1939–1945". A granite arch in the shape of a paifang was erected in 1928. Reference to the Second World War was added later. [7]
A bronze statue of King George VI was erected[ when? ] in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of British colonial rule over Hong Kong (1841–1941). [8]
There are more than 1,000 species of plants in the gardens, [9] mostly indigenous to tropical and sub-tropical regions. It includes some rare species like the dawn redwood and the local Ailanthus. Besides these,some species which can produce flowers throughout the year can also be found there,like the Hong Kong orchid tree.
Different Species are grown in the Thematic gardens in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
This garden grows about ten times bigger than other gardens.
More than 30 species are grown in this garden. Crapnell's camellia ( Camellia crapnelliana ),Grantham's camellia ( Camellia granthamiana ) and Hong Kong camellia ( Camellia hongkongensis ) are native to Hong Kong.
Some introduced rare species such as Yunnan camellia ( Camellia reticulata ) and golden camellia ( Camellia nitidissima and Camellia euphlebia ) can also be found in this garden.
This garden grows 5 species of magnolia:
Various species of orchids,ferns,bromeliads,vines and carnivorous plants are grown in the greenhouse.
This garden grows over 30 species under 22 genera of the palm family.
This garden grows 8 species including Hong Kong orchid tree ( Bauhinia blakeana ),purple camel's foot ( Bauhinia purpurea ) and camel's foot tree ( Bauhinia variegata ).
This garden grows over 10 azalea species including red azalea ( Rhododendron simsii ),lovely azalea ( Rhododendron pulchrum ),purple azalea (Rhododendron pulchrum var. phoeniceum) and white azalea ( Rhododendron mucronatum ),those are native to Hong Kong. There are also rare species such as yellow azalea ( Rhododendron molle ) and Westland's rhododendron ( Rhododendron moulmainense ).
Various species of herb are grown in the garden.
The size of the garden precludes the keeping of very large mammal species such as giraffes. Nevertheless,the collection of primates is varied,including creatures such as the Hoffmann's two-toed sloth,Red necked wallaby,golden lion tamarin,gibbon,orangutan,ring-tailed lemur and black-and-white ruffed lemur. Apart from the plants,there are over 400 birds,50 mammals and 20 reptiles.[ when? ][ citation needed ]
A taxidermy specimen of Siu Fa,the female jaguar that lived in Hong Kong for nearly 20 years is on display at the Education and Exhibition Centre of HKZBG from 5 March 2009. [10]
A pigeon pair of Bornean orangutan twins were born in the HKZBG in July 2011,joining the big family of the gardens. This is the first-ever successful breeding of Bornean orangutan twins in the HKZBG,bringing to five the total number of this primate in the gardens [11]
To enhance public understanding and appreciation of all living creatures,the two female meerkats introduced to the HKZBG are aged 4 and 5,and are housed in the newly-decorated "Meerkat's Home". [12]
In 2020,The mammal and reptile section of the Zoological &Botanical Gardens were temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The mammal families at the gardens expanded during the epidemic.
To celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2021,a female Asian small-clawed otter and red necked wallaby were introduced to the HKZBG. [13]
Yellow-cheeked gibbons,ring-tailed lemurs,white-faced saki,black-and-white ruffed lemurs and cotton-top tamarins all welcomed new additions to the family. [14]
The reptiles are primarily snakes,crocodilians,and turtles such as the African spurred tortoise,radiated tortoise,Chinese alligator and Burmese python.
Over 100 avian species have successfully reared young,including the Japanese red-crowned crane,peacock pheasant and the Bali mynah,all of which are highly endangered in the wild.
Just outside the greenhouse are several large aviaries housing species of waterfowl,such as the wood duck,flamingo,blue crane and intensely-coloured scarlet ibis,perching atop a man-made waterfall.
There are also terrestrial birds;many of them small,and with several species from East Asia and Africa. Yellow-casqued hornbill are among the HKZBG's larger avian species. [15]
An injured black-faced spoonbill was rescued in Nam Sang Wai by staff of the Agriculture,Fisheries and Conservation Department,and transferred to the KFBG Wild Animal Rescue Centre in March 2018. This spoonbill,which was unable to fly after an operation,will be able to join the other waterfowl at HKZBG,and so will have excellent human-provided care as well as companions in captivity. [16]
To celebrate its 150th anniversary this year,the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens will hold a number of free public activities,in addition to adding black-crowned cranes,great white pelicans,and great curassow,in addition to bird-watching platforms. [13]
The small brick buildings that house some of the smaller birds were once staff quarters,for Chinese workers at the park. These were recently renovated,resulting in the destruction of a row of defunct Victorian gas lamp posts;these may have been the last remaining such lamps in Hong Kong,and possibly in all of East Asia.[ citation needed ]
In 2014,the South China Morning Post reported that the Kadoorie Institute,Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA),Animals Asia Foundation,and orangutan foundation Orangutanaid all have expressed "sincere doubts over the welfare of [the gardens'] animals" and recommended that the park return to its origins as a botanical garden. [17] SPCA deputy director Jane Grey criticised the gardens' facilities as being outdated,inadequate,and overcrowded,comparing it to a "menagerie from the turn of the last century". [17] [18] Later that year,renowned primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall expressed her concern over the gardens' treatment of orangutans in Hong Kong's zoo,saying that they were "not in a good situation" and that "large animals in small cages with nothing to do are not happy animals". [19]
The main entrance is located at Upper Albert Road. A number of bus routes give access to the facility. [20] Admission is free to all parts of the Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Jersey Zoo is a zoological park established in 1959 on the island of Jersey in the English Channel by naturalist and writer Gerald Durrell (1925–1995). It is operated by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. It has approximately 169,000 visitors per year.
Twycross Zoo is a medium to large zoo near Norton Juxta Twycross,Leicestershire. The zoo has the largest collection of monkeys and apes in the Western World,and in 2006 re-launched itself as "Twycross Zoo –The World Primate Centre".
The Singapore Zoo,formerly known as the Singapore Zoological Gardens or Mandai Zoo,is a 28 hectares zoo located on the margins of Upper Seletar Reservoir within Singapore's heavily forested central catchment area. It is operated by the Mandai Wildlife Group,which also manages the neighbouring Night Safari,River Wonders,Bird Paradise as well as the forthcoming Rainforest Wild Park.
The Philadelphia Zoo,located in the Centennial District of Philadelphia on the west bank of the Schuylkill River,is the first true zoo in the United States. It was chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 21,1859,but its opening was delayed by the Civil War until July 1,1874. The zoo opened with 1,000 animals and an admission price of 25 cents. For a brief time,the zoo also housed animals brought to U.S. from safaris by the Smithsonian Institution,which had not yet built its National Zoo.
Mid-Levels is an affluent residential area on Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. It is located between Victoria Peak and Central. Residents are predominantly more affluent Hong Kong locals and expatriate professionals.
Perth Zoo is a 17-hectare (41-acre) zoological park in South Perth,Western Australia. The zoo first opened in 1898 and by 2011 housed 1258 animals of 164 species and an extensive botanical collection. It is a full institutional member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
Zoo Atlanta is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoological park in Atlanta,Georgia. The current president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta is Raymond B. King.
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a 170-acre (69 ha) zoo,aquarium,and botanical garden located along the Saluda River in Columbia,South Carolina,United States. A small portion of the zoo extends into the nearby city of West Columbia. It is operated by the Rich-Lex Riverbanks Park Special Purpose District,a partnership of the city of Columbia and Richland and Lexington counties. It is overseen by the Riverbanks Park Commission,comprising two members each from the three governments and one at-large member.
Mysore Zoo,officially known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens,is a composite of zoological gardens and animal park located in the southern Indian city of Mysore,Karnataka. Stretching across a 157-acre (64 ha)-expanse and situated at about 700 metres from Mysore Palace,it is the oldest zoo in India and one of the oldest in the world. One of the most popular zoos in India and one of the city's most popular attractions,it is home to a wide range of over 168 species.
Blackpool Zoo is a 32-acre (13 ha) zoo,owned by Parques Reunidos and located in the sea-side resort of Blackpool,Lancashire,England. It cares for over 1,000 animals from all over the world.
The Topeka Zoo is a medium-sized zoo in Topeka,Kansas in the United States. It is located within Gage Park,just off I-70 in the north central portion of the city. Despite its size,it houses over 300 animals in a number of exhibits,including one of the first indoor tropical rain forests in the United States. It is one of the most popular attractions in Topeka,with over 250,000 visitors a year.
Leipzig Zoological Garden,or Leipzig Zoo is a zoo in Leipzig`s district Mitte,Germany. It was first opened on June 9,1878. It was taken over by the city of Leipzig in 1920 after World War I and now covers about 27 hectares and contains approximately 850 species. By 2020,the zoo featured six different theme worlds,aiming at providing habitats appropriate for the species on display.
The Taipei Zoo,sometimes referred to as the Muzha Zoo,is a public zoological garden in Wenshan District,Taipei,Taiwan. It is the most famous zoological garden in Taiwan and a leader in conservation,research and education,and recreation. It is one of the largest zoos in Asia,with a total area of 165 hectares,of which more than 90 ha are developed.
Bioparco di Roma is a 17-hectare (42-acre) zoological garden located on part of the original Villa Borghese estate in Rome,Italy. There are 1,114 animals of 222 species maintained.
Metro Richmond Zoo is a privately owned,for-profit zoo in Chesterfield County,Virginia. It is located in the central Virginia area,off of U.S. Route 360,about 20 miles southwest of Richmond. Metro Richmond Zoo encompasses about 70 acres (28 ha) and houses around 2,000 animals representing over 190 species,including reticulated giraffe,white rhinoceros,snow leopard,cheetah and Grant's zebra.
The Zoo and Botanical Garden of Branféré is a 35-hectare (86-acre) zoo and botanical garden located in Le Guerno,Morbihan,Brittany,France.
National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka is a zoological garden in Dehiwala,Sri Lanka,founded in 1936. It is home to various birds,mammals,reptiles,fish and amphibians. The zoo not only exhibits animals from Sri Lanka,but also exhibits species from across Asian and other parts of the globe.
Barcelona Zoo is a zoo in the Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona,Catalonia,Spain. The zoo used to be internationally known as the home of Snowflake,the only known albino gorilla,who died in 2003.
Gembira Loka Zoo is a zoological garden located in Yogyakarta,Special Region of Yogyakarta,Indonesia. Gembira Loka Zoo was opened in 1956 and comprises a botanical garden,orchid nursery,(artificial) lake,children's park,numerous scenic bridges across the Gajahwong River,and a collection of approximately 470 animals,most notable of which are its native Indonesian tigers,leopards,Komodo dragons,saltwater crocodiles,orangutans,and gibbons,as well as African animals such as lions,camels and hippopotamus. The park is 54 acres in size.
The Zoo Taiping is a zoological park located at Bukit Larut,Taiping,Perak,Malaysia. Established in 1961,is the only zoo in northern Malaysia.