By KHT Staff. Images via KH City Govt.
KAOHSIUNG — Neimen Wild Forest Animal School (內門野森動物學校) has drawn more than 120,000 visitors since beginning trial operations in January, prompting Kaohsiung city councilors to call for expanded parking and stronger shuttle services as the site grows into a new attraction in the eastern part of the city.
The Liberty Times reported that the park had recorded 127,098 visitors from its Jan. 17 trial opening through the end of April. Members of the Kaohsiung City Council’s Transportation Committee visited the site on Thursday to review operations, visitor flow, guided tours, and interactive animal experiences.
Councilor Lee Mei-jhen (李眉蓁), who led the visit, said the outsourced operation had brought energy and innovation to the site. She called for stronger cooperation with schools to develop field-trip programs and said ticketing through online platforms should be made more convenient. Other councilors said the park should expand nearby parking and improve shuttle services to handle future visitor growth.
Councilors praised the park for bringing new energy to Kaohsiung’s tourism map, but noted the facility should promote animal-conservation education, as well as local Neimen (內門) culture. They urged stronger links with nearby attractions and more marketing to bring visitors into the wider district.
They also warned that as the park increases reservations and visitor numbers, it must continue to meet animal-protection standards. Animals should be given enough rest time, they said, to avoid concerns over excessive handling or mistreatment.
