Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo is far more than just an ordinary city zoo; it’s a “green ark” nestled amidst the urban hustle and bustle, a paradise where humans and nature coexist harmoniously. A national 4A-level tourist attraction, it sits at the foot of lush mountains in northern Nanjing, covering 68 hectares. Built according to the terrain, its landscape is breathtaking. The zoo boasts rolling hills, dense forests, and a green coverage rate of 85%, remaining evergreen year-round, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers—springtime bursts with wildflowers, summer offers shady retreats, autumn paints the forests in vibrant colors, and winter provides warm sunshine and gentle shadows. This unique forest ecosystem sets Hongshan Zoo apart from other city zoos in China, earning it the titles of “zoo in the forest” and “a treasure trove of biodiversity in the city.”
Animal Kingdom: Home to the World’s Rare and Exotic Animals
This vibrant natural kingdom is home to over 3,000 rare and endangered wild animals of more than 260 species from around the world. From majestic Siberian tigers and adorable giant pandas to elegant and agile golden monkeys and massive Asian elephants; from the “forest doctor” hornbill to the “living fossil” Yangtze alligator, from the giraffe of the African savanna to the kangaroo of the Australian continent—Hongshan Zoo is like a living encyclopedia of animal life, allowing visitors to witness the wonders of global biodiversity without leaving the country. In recent years, the park has continuously upgraded the design of its ecological exhibits, abandoning the traditional “cage-style” displays and replacing them with natural habitats that simulate their native environments, giving the animals more spacious and richer opportunities for behavioral expression. For example, the newly built “Orangutan Pavilion” and “Fel Pavilion” have won numerous design awards both domestically and internationally, becoming benchmarks in the industry.
Service Philosophy: Educating the Public, Contributing to Society
Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo upholds the noble principle of “educating the public and contributing to society,” placing animal welfare and public education on an equal footing. It is not merely a place for observation and entertainment, but a “talking” classroom of life. The zoo regularly conducts activities such as zookeeper science lectures, animal behavior training demonstrations, and sharing of wild conservation stories, allowing visitors to observe animals up close while gaining a deeper understanding of their habits, current living conditions, and the significance of conservation. Particularly noteworthy is the zoo’s dedicated animal rescue center, which bears the heavy responsibility of rescuing and treating wild animals from Jiangsu Province and surrounding areas—every year, hundreds of wild animals trapped due to injury, illness, loss of identity, or illegal trade receive professional treatment, rehabilitation, and rewilding training here, ultimately returning to the wild. This function elevates Hongshan Zoo beyond mere “exhibition,” making it a crucial link in the regional wildlife conservation system.
Science Education: Sowing the Seeds of Respect for Nature
As a national-level science education base, Hongshan Forest Zoo is at the forefront of public education nationwide. The park offers a diverse range of educational programs for different age groups: a “Little Caretaker” experience camp for children, an “Animal Research Summer Camp” for teenagers, and a “Nature Observation Workshop” for adults. It also hosts themed events such as “Nighttime Exploration,” “Birdwatching Competitions,” and “Biodiversity Forums” on a regular basis, making scientific knowledge engaging and integrating ecological concepts into daily life. Furthermore, the park actively utilizes new media platforms, breaking down barriers through live streaming, short videos, and online courses to extend nature education to every household. Here, children learn not only the names of animals but also respect and empathy for every life; adults gain not only leisure and enjoyment but also profound reflection on the relationship between humans and nature.
A City Icon and a Window to Ecological Civilization
Today, Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo receives over 5 million domestic and international visitors annually, becoming an important showcase for ecological civilization construction in Nanjing and even Jiangsu Province. It is not only a top choice for weekend family outings for locals but also a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to understand Nanjing’s green heritage. What’s even more commendable is that Hongshan Zoo consistently maintains a balance between public welfare and professionalism. While offering affordable tickets, it continuously invests heavily in improving animal welfare and renovating exhibits, demonstrating a dual commitment to “people-centeredness and animal-centeredness.”
Core Spirit: Let Love and Responsibility Take Root
Strolling through Hongshan, you’ll see parents bending down to tell their children, “Look, that monkey is taking care of its baby, just like I take care of you.” You’ll hear volunteers patiently explaining to visitors, “Every animal is indispensable in the food chain; protecting them is protecting ourselves.” This is the most touching power of Hongshan Forest Zoo—it’s not just a tourist attraction, but a bridge connecting the city and nature, connecting humanity and countless other creatures. Its vibrant presence reminds us that every life on this planet deserves to be treated with kindness; and true civilization is not about conquering nature, but about learning to coexist and thrive with all things.
Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo, with its verdant mountains as its canvas, its myriad creatures as its pen, and science education as its ink, is writing a green epic about life, responsibility, and hope. No matter where you come from or how old you are, as soon as you step into this mountain forest, you will feel an emotional resonance that transcends language on this vibrant land—a sense of awe for nature, a love for life, and a fervent expectation for a better future together.