The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are located on Victoria Peak, its northern descent. The area is multi-level, its upper part is 100 metres above sea level and its lowest point is 62 metres above sea level. Improvement of the park began in 1860, the first walking routes welcomed visitors in 1864. The complex covers an area of 5.6 hectares, the official opening of the entire Botanical Garden took place in 1871.
The Zoological and Botanical Gardens were merged and renamed to reflect the increased number of zoo inhabitants in 1975. Currently, about half of the entire land of the complex is given over to the zoo. There are a total of 220 birds, 70
warm-blooded animals and 20 amphibians in the park.
The area of the complex is divided into an eastern and western area, and passage between the two is via a pedestrian crossing on Albany Road. The eastern area, known as the Old Garden, has a children's playground, bird cages, indoor greenhouses and a fountain. American flamingos, Hawaiian geese and red crowned cranes live here. The western section, called the New Garden, houses mostly mammals, and primates, including orangutans, gibbons, emperor tamarins, as well as raccoons, lemurs, some reptiles and turtles.
In addition to the animals and plants, visitors will also be able to see the Memorial Arch, a bronze statue of King George VI, and a music pavilion.
