Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a favorite place both among the children as well as the adults in the region. One of the major places of attractions in the region, the place was initially a Botanical Garden, when it was established in 1871. The first Superintendent of the Gardens was Mr. Charles Ford. The Zoological and Botanical Garden has a long history attached to its name. From 1841 to 1842, the place was a temporary Government House. Later in the year 1975, it was renamed as a Botanical and Zoological Garden, for the myriad functions that were carried out in the area.
The Zoological and Botanical Garden in Hong Kong is spread over an area of 5.6 hectares. There are many roads that flank the area, like the Upper Albert Road, Robinson Road, Glenealy and Garden Road. Though the roads were separate, yet they are interlinked by subways. The garden is also divided. The Old Garden lies in the eastern part of the main Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Hong Kong. It houses a green house, a children’s playground, a jaguar enclosure, a fountain terrace garden and some aviaries. On the other hand is the New Garden, which is located on the western side of the Garden. This part of the zoological and botanical garden only has reptiles and mammals.
The location of the Zoological and Botanical Gardens of Hong Kong has enhanced its importance to a great deal. It can be reached from all parts of Hong Kong. There are numerous buses as well as MTR that has made transportation to the place easy.
Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Hong Kong has preservation and conservation of wildlife species as its main objective. Initially, small numbers of animals were kept, but with development of infrastructure, more number of animals and birds were taken into garden. There are around 70 species of mammals and reptiles along with 500 species of birds in the zoo and botanical garden. Also, many endangered species are conserved in this Botanical and Zoological Garden. Some of the species are listed below:
- Ring-tailed Lemur
- Buff-cheeked Gibbon
- Red-crowned Crane
- Spurred Tortoise
- Greek Tortoise
- American Flamingo
- Central American Agouti
- Prevost's Tree Squirrel
- Golden-headed Lion Tamarin
- Pygmy Marmoset
- Palawan Peacock Pheasant
- Malayan Box Turtle
- Yellow-margined Box Turtle
- Flowery Backed Box Terrapin
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- Short-beaked Echidna
- Golden Lion Tamarin
- Chinese Porcupine
- White-faced Saki
- Lesser Mouse Deer
- Siamang
- White-winged Wood Duck
- Radiated Tortoise
- Black and White Ruffed Lemur
- Bornean Orang-utan
- Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth
- Hawaiian Goose
- Burmese Python
- Keeled Box Turtle
- Bali Mynah
- Jaguar
- Golden Agouti
- Chinese Alligator
- Lion-tailed Macaque
- Emperor Tamarin
Apart from these various species of fauna, the Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Hong Kong is also famous for wide diversity of flora. There are around 1000 species of plants found in the Garden. All the major plant groups are available in this Garden. There are also some rare orchids in the Botanical Garden. The Green House and the Thematic Gardens are attractive places in the Hong Kong Botanical and Zoological Gardens.
Zoological Education is an integral part of the Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Many research projects and educational programs are carried out in this garden for the wide variety of flora and fauna. Horticulture education is also imparted in this place. School children are brought to this place for gaining knowledge regarding wildlife species and plants. Various environmental issues are also handled by the Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Admission to the Zoological and Botanical Gardens Hong Kong is free. There are strict opening and closing times. Apart from the Fountain Terrace Garden and Green House, all the other areas can be visited from 0600hrs to 1700hrs. The Fountain Terrace Garden can be visited from 0600hrs to 2000hrs, while the Green House can be visited from 0900hrs to 1630hrs.
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens can be contacted at the following address:
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Albany Road, Central,
Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 2530 0154
Fax: (852) 2537 1207
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