Taipei Zoo

The new director of Taipei Zoo has been officially appointed, with Shiau-Fen Ju, the zoo's Deputy Director, rising to the position. She is the fourth person in the zoo's history to be promoted from within the ranks and to come from a farm background. The inauguration ceremony for the new director took place at 10:30 AM on January 21st, officially marking the commencement of a new chapter under the leadership of Director Shiau-Fen Ju. 

Shiau-Fen Ju, the new Director of Taipei Zoo, holds a Master's degree from the Institute of Horticulture at National Taiwan University. She joined the zoo team 30 years ago, through roles such as environmental technician, senior technician, team leader, and later taking on various managerial and research positions, including leading the Promotion Division, serving as a supervisor, secretary, associate researcher, and researcher. She has held the position of Deputy Director since 2020. Director Ju has not only experienced the zoo's transformation firsthand but has also played an active role in its professional development over the years. She has been deeply involved in the planning of new exhibition areas. 

In 2024, as Acting Director, Shiau-Fen Ju led Taipei Zoo in hosting the Southeast Asia Zoos and Aquariums Association (SEAZA) annual conference. She has also, promoted the zoo’’s 110th anniversary marketing efforts, oversaw typhoon disaster relief operations, and represented Taipei Zoo at the Dual-City Forum, where she signed a memorandum of cooperation with Shanghai Zoo for the exchange of lesser pandas. Ju has also been involved in introducing giant pandas and related educational marketing campaigns, spearheaded the Bird World updates, and contributed to the planning and construction of new exhibition spaces such as the Pangolin Dome (Tropical Rainforest Indoor Exhibit House). Her efforts have undoubtedly greatly contributed to the zoo's development.

Following the successful breeding of Taipei Zoo's first giant panda, Yuan Zai, Ju played a key role in the city's marketing campaign. She chaired the zoo's marketing meetings, overseeing the planning of panda-related marketing activities, developing cultural products, and strategizing response plans. These efforts were highly successful, utilizing the giant panda’s role as a conservation ambassador to link local wildlife conservation and create a new ecological tourism image for the southern district of Taipei. Additionally, she led efforts in ex situ breeding and conservation marketing for western lowland gorillas, helping the city achieve significant diplomatic accomplishments in this area. 

During her tenure as Deputy Director, Shiau-Fen Ju was elected as the President of the Taiwan Zoos and Aquariums Association (TAZA) for two terms, actively promoting animal welfare initiatives across Taiwan's zoos and aquariums. Under her leadership, Taipei Zoo not only advanced its conservation and breeding programs but also strengthened its cooperation and exchange with domestic and international zoos. 

With the encouragement and guidance of Mayor Wan-An Chiang, Taipei Zoo successfully completed its four-year development blueprint for 2024, which includes plans for facility upgrades and renovations. These efforts aim to give the zoo a fresh new look. For example, the zoo will align with international conservation programs for endangered species, improving habitats and breeding facilities for species like the Red-crowned Crane, endangered birds, and western lowland gorillas. In addition, the zoo will seek funding to improve the animal activity and exhibition spaces in the Tropical Rainforest Area, enhancing animal welfare and providing visitors with a richer ecological tourism experience. 

Looking ahead, Director Shiau-Fen Ju is committed to leading Taipei Zoo through new challenges and working towards the goal of building a world-class zoo.