Taipei Zoo

Our stay in Taipei was short. Reached the hotel late Sunday night, had the whole day on Monday & off to KL on Tuesday morning. So, it was only on Monday for us to do the sight-seeing. Even though HB had been to Taipei many many times, he very seldom ventured the city. He really didn't know where to take the girls in Taipei except for the shopping complex, of course. When it comes to children, mothers know best. Back home, I had googled for interesting places in Taipei for kids... & came across Taipei Zoo.

From the pictures in the internet, the zoo did not impress me at all. But to kids, as long as there are animals... others don't matter. I was totally wrong. The zoo was rather impressive. It was big & very clean.

The only thing that was not siding us was the rain. May is a rainy season in Taiwan. We woke up that Monday morning witnessing Taipei drizzle. From our room window, we observed how the locals were at ease, either with umbrellas or raincoats hurrying themselves to work. In my heart, I prayed softly for the rain to stop. For my girls of course... we were to go to the zoo that morning.

The plan was to take the MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transport) which station was a walking distance from the hotel. Due to the light rain, we opted for a taxi, instead. Upon reaching the zoo, it was still drizzling. Surprisingly, the zoo was not empty. There were locals with small children but none with a baby!

HB was prepared with the weather. He brought 2 small umbrellas & 2 disposable ponchos from home & a big umbrella, complimentary of the hotel. My concern was Nadeen. Her sisters, I was positive would have a wonderful time in the rain...

HB bought a kiddie raincoat for Balqis in the zoo itself. The local kids walked, even ran happily in the rain wearing their raincoats. I guessed, the rain had become part of their lives in Taipei.

HB fussing over the girls with their raincoats.

This was how we started our zoo adventure in the rain.

First we visited the Asian Tropical Rainforest Animal Area. The animals like Macaque, Orang Utan, Malayan Tapir, Hornbill did not really thrilled me. Those were rather common in our National Zoo in Malaysia.

We then passed Australian Animal Area & Desert Animal Area. The girls felt fascinated as we approached the African Animal Area. Unfortunately, not by the real animals but the statues... hahaha. (try to searh for a zebra & an antelope...)

Yasmin & Wardah posing with an African Elephant at the background.

Found a gazebo & we had our snack, Famous Amos Cookies all the way from KL.

Bird World at the background.

Next, we headed to the Temperate Zone Animal Area. Looked forward to see the penguins. Check out the girls & I posing with the penguins...! Yes, statues again... ;-) yet so real. Don't you think?

Wardah wanted to pose alone with a penguin. Knowing her creative mind, she chose to pose sharing eating a fish with the penguin.

And you think Balqis would let Wardah got her own way alone? No...! Now, Balqis with her chosen baby penguin. A kiss!

The real thing...

Other animals at Temperate Zone were American Bison, Brown Bear (Grizzly Bear), Wild Horse, Lesser Panda,Puma & others. They were all too far for my camera to capture. But this Black Bear was sleeping soundly right in front of the viewing glass.

We had our lunch at a seating spot. As halal food is difficult to get, we brought our own. Never did we taste Tuna Spread with Soft Buns as delicious as the ones we had in Taipei. My girls took 2 each...

Nearby, there was a rain water pump. The girls suddenly were so concerned over their dirty hands. Rushed to sort of wash up... As if I didn't know why. Look at the 2, experimenting the pump in the rain. It was merely drizzling... gave them a chance. If back home, my "Masuk!!.. Hujan...! " will surely spoil their playful mischievousness ;-)

On the way down, we stopped at Nocturnal Animal House. By then the rain had stopped. Didn't realise climbing up at the first place. A good thing that with tired legs, we had to descend not the opposite. I was the 1st to surrender. Stopped to rest my aching legs & tended to the blisters on both my feet.

My eldest & my youngest. Yasmin throughout this trip helped me a lot to babysit her baby sister.

The girls, resting. Notice that Balqis was on the stroller instead? She got tired & whined for either HB or I to carry her. We figured, it was better to carry Nadeen & lent the stroller to Balqis.

Next we visited the Koala House.

They looked forward to go to the Children's Zoo. It was not up to the girls' expectation though. I have to give our National Zoo the credits. Most of the animals were too far for them to pet. These were some of the animals there.

The Llamas

This sun bear could smell us. He was sniffing in between the window glasses. Must have smelled our unpleasant body odour after almost half a day at the zoo... But hey! Bears love honey. It was me who snapped this photo. Must be my sweet, honey smell then! ;-)

Our helpful zoo map.

We stopped at the gift shop but I did not find anything interesting. Was looking for gifts with Taipei Zoo printed. There was none. Balqis wanted to buy a soft toy. HB refused to get one for her. You should look at the collection the girls have in their room! Look at her stamping her feet getting out of the shop with that long, sourish face... hahaha!

My hot-tempered Balqis was still moody after the soft toy episode!

The Zoo shuttle. Balqis was OK then. Well.... just look at what she had in her hand... a pen! HB always, I repeat alwayssss gives in to this little girl!

Everyone of us at the entrance.

All tired but still hunger for more adventure....

* to be continued