By KHT Staff. Image via Shoushan Zoo.
KAOHSIUNG — Shoushan Zoo (壽山動物園) in Gushan District (鼓山區) will waive admission for visitors wearing Halloween accessories during a family program from Saturday, Oct. 24, through Monday, Oct. 26, according to a Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau announcement reported by ENN Taiwan. The program includes crafts, driftwood art, games, and limited food promotions.
The dates coincide with a three-day public holiday. Monday, Oct. 26, is the official make-up holiday for Oct. 25, according to Taiwan’s Directorate-General of Personnel Administration. The zoo’s visitor information says it opens when a national holiday falls on a Monday.
Tourism Bureau Director-General Kao Min-lin (高閔琳) said Halloween-themed objects and concealed food would also be used as environmental enrichment, intended to encourage animals’ natural exploration and foraging behavior.
The ENN Taiwan report said meerkats would move an eyeball-themed object to reach mealworms, while chimpanzees would search a decorated box for food. Bengal tiger Xiao Hong (小紅) would paw and bite a hanging toy, and orangutan A-Hong (阿宏) would open a pumpkin-shaped hay bundle.
On Oct. 24 and 25, visitors can collect a free animal-knowledge challenge card from the zoo’s White House shop and exchange completed cards for limited gifts. Visitors wearing Halloween or animal-themed clothing can also receive candy packs with purchases at participating shops and restaurants.
A participating cafe will offer a themed sparkling drink to customers who complete a social-media task and order a set meal. A single purchase of at least NT$1,000 will also qualify for a limited illuminated wand, according to the announcement.
Yessen Animal School (野森動物學校) in Neimen District (內門區) is running a separate October promotion. Children aged 12 and under can enter free when accompanied by an adult if animal-themed clothing or accessories cover at least half of their outfit, the report said.
Shoushan Zoo has warned that parking is limited and recommends public transportation. Bus No. 56 serves the zoo from Kaohsiung Railway Station, Yanchengpu MRT Station, and Wenwu Temple light-rail station. Visitors should check the zoo’s official channels for any schedule or weather-related changes.
