The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens was originally the official residence of the Hong Kong Governor, making it one of the earliest established parks in Hong Kong. Initially, the park focused on plants, hence the name ‘Botanical Gardens’, but with an increasing number of animals, it was renamed the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in 1975. The park’s location was once the site of the Governor’s House, and as the Governor also served as the Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in Hong Kong, the park is colloquially known as the ‘Commander’s Garden’.
Abernathy Road divides the park into two separate sections: the eastern part, referred to as the ‘Old Park’, features a children’s playground, a greenhouse, and a fountain terrace garden, and is home to various bird species such as the American flamingo, crested myna, yellow-necked black goose, and red-crowned crane. The western part, known as the ‘New Park’, is primarily the habitat for mammals like the Bornean orangutan, red-cheeked black ape, emperor tamarin, and raccoon, as well as reptiles like the Burmese tortoise and the plated armadillo tortoise. One can also see the park’s pride, the jaguar/American leopard. The park boasts over 1,000 species of plants, most of which are from tropical and subtropical regions, including key varieties from both local Hong Kong and foreign sources, such as pines, figs, palms, eucalyptus, magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, and spring ferns. In the fall, maple and bald cypress trees add to the autumnal colors. The southern part of the park houses the ‘Medicinal Botanical Garden’. In addition to appreciating the flora and fauna, visitors can stroll along the historical trail within the park, visiting three historically significant sites: the commemorative arch, the statue of King George VI, and the pavilion, all while immersed in the serene atmosphere of birdsong and fragrance. The park is open year-round from 6:00 to 19:00. Accessibility services include wheelchair-accessible entrances.A must-see guide to the park is its proximity to Central MTR, the Peak Tram, and Hong Kong Park. The park has long been a destination for outdoor educational activities for local students, housing over 500 birds, more than 70 mammals, and over 70 reptiles. Though the number of animals is not vast, the park is well-equipped and well-maintained, offering a tranquil and peaceful environment suitable for leisurely walks.
