TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Zoo said Tuesday that its Tropical Rainforest Area will undergo a major renovation, including an indoor elephant enclosure known to visitors as the “White House,” per a press release
The renovation comes as the zoo approaches the 40th anniversary of its relocation from Yuanshan to its current site in Muzha. The Tropical Rainforest Area, completed in 1997 as part of the zoo’s second phase of expansion, has been a centerpiece for nearly three decades.
Among its most recognizable features are the Asian elephant enclosures, which have stood for almost 30 years. Zoo officials said the facilities are now outdated compared with modern international zoo standards that emphasize enhanced animal welfare.
Asian elephants Youxin (友信) and Youkai (友愷), which arrived at Taipei Zoo in 1987 as young elephants, will be the first to move. Over the years, they have lived in several areas, including the Children’s Zoo, before settling in their current enclosure nearly a decade later.
Asian elephants can reach a shoulder height of about 3.5 meters. Adult females may weigh nearly 3,000 kilograms, while males can exceed 5,000 kg. The zoo said such a size requires tall enclosures that allow professional caretakers and veterinary staff to conduct daily training and health monitoring safely.
Outdoor activity areas include sandpits, pools, and enrichment facilities designed to encourage natural behaviors such as exploration and foraging. In recent years, Taipei Zoo has referenced international zoo guidelines in upgrading care and creating more comfortable living conditions.
In later stages of the renovation, other animals in the Tropical Rainforest Area will be temporarily relocated. This includes Malayan tigers, Malayan sun bears, and leopards, to make way for new facilities.
Before construction begins on the elephant enclosure, the zoo plans to hold a retrospective highlighting the history of elephant care at the park. Officials encourage visitors to tour the Tropical Rainforest Area over the Lunar New Year holiday and revisit memories of the longstanding exhibits ahead of the renovation.
