(CFP Photo)

Zoos are often favorite destinations for parents with kids, but Hongshan Forest Zoo in Nanjing has undergone an outstanding transformation, with young people aged 20-30 accounting for more than half of the visitors.

During the Qingming Festival holiday from April 4 to 6, the zoo received 80,000 visits on the first day alone, rivaling the popularity of Shanghai Disneyland. Data also revealed that visitors in 2023 were no longer primarily families with children.

Hua Shi, a popular science writer and zoo researcher, considers Hongshan Forest Zoo one of the two best urban zoos in China. He spent four months visiting 56 zoos across 41 cities in China, studying animal enclosure design and animal behaviors. He noted that on-site visits allowed a detailed understanding of everything about animals - seeing, smelling and listening - far beyond what online documentaries could offer.

Hongshan Forest Zoo stands out in China for its commitment to offering a more respectful approach showing love for the animals. It was the first in China to abolish animal shows in 2011, and canceled paid feeding by visitors in 2014. As a result, animals in the zoo are no longer confined to small spaces but are able to move freely in an environment close to nature.

Furthermore, the zoo has introduced new businesses to offer diversified services, functioning more like a cultural and recreational venue. Visitors can drink coffee, participate in open-air film shows, camp and attend concerts.

Shen Zhijun, director of the zoo, called the site a place to have a conversation about life, which encompasses not only the care provided by keepers to animals but also interactions among the public, animals and zoo operators. This environment facilitates mutual understanding and respect and fosters a culture of harmony and joy.

The rising number of young visitors to the zoo is thought to enhance the understanding of life and promote the awareness of biodiversity and environmental protection.

Some animals in the zoo have now become cyber-stars. “Only when people fully understand the nature, will they stop being arrogant,” a zoo enthusiast commented.