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NATURAL HISTORY

Zoological and Botanical Gardens The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, managed by the Urban Council, are the oldest and the most popular public gardens in Hong Kong. Situated on a 5.35-hectare site at the foot of Victoria Peak overlooking Government House, the gardens contain a wide variety of botanical and zoological features. The gardens were constructed between 1861 and 1871 and were divided by Albany Road. The Old Garden, located to the east of the road, houses an extensive bird collection while the New Garden, opened in 1871, is home to the mammals. The horticultural contribution, which is mainly located in the Old Garden, is enhanced by extensive planting inside the zoological enclosures.

The mammal collection includes Jaguars, Clouded Leopards, Red-cheeked Black Gibbons, Emperor Tamarins, Green Acouchis, Common Marmosets, Prevost's Tree Squirrels, Indian Porcupines, Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroos, Celebes Black Apes, Common Squirrel Monkeys, Agoutis, Red-mantled Saddle-back Tamarins, Ring-tailed Lemurs, Siamangs, Orang-utans and Golden-headed Lion Tamarins. More than 10 species of mammals have bred in the gardens. The construction of two new enclosures for Short-beaked Echidnas and Radiated Tortoises was completed in 1984 to increase the variety of the collection.

The bird collection, which is among the best in Asia, concentrates on rare or endangered species. Altogether, more than 850 specimens representing about 265 species are housed. With the sale or transfer of zoological stock between countries growing increasingly difficult, greater emphasis has been placed on the breeding of stock within the gardens. An excellent record in this respect has been achieved in recent years, including success with the White-naped Crane, the Count Raggi's Bird of Paradise, the Victoria Crowned Pigeon and the White-winged Wood-duck.

Work has started on reconstruction of the fountain terrace garden, which was removed to facilitate repair of the reservoir roof lying beneath it. Upon completion, the terrace will feature a novel split-level fountain incorporated in a new garden layout which will, in addition to the horticultural aspects, also house a viewing terrace, refreshment kiosk and bookshop.

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