Chongqing - The Chongqing Three Gorges Zoo in Chongqing's Wanzhou District has reached 89 percent completion and is on track to become a major hub for wildlife conservation and public science education, with an expected annual visitor capacity of around one million once it opens.

Chongqing Three Gorges Zoo features a scenic landscape with hills and water. (Photo: Xie Zhiqiang)

Located in the Tianshengcheng cultural and tourism zone, adjacent to Shizishan Park and the Longxi River Wetland Park, the zoo is designed as a large-scale urban facility focused on animal protection and scientific outreach. It will also function as an important base for wildlife rescue and ecological education in the Yangtze River basin, contributing to biodiversity protection in the Three Gorges reservoir area.

The project covers a planned land area of 400,000 square meters, with a total building area of about 36,000 square meters. It features nine animal exhibition zones, a science education center, and 28 supporting facilities. More than 150 animal species are expected to be introduced, with a total population exceeding 5,000 animals, including aquatic species.

The collection will include over 30 species of nationally protected first-class wildlife, such as giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and tigers, as well as more than 50 second-class protected species, including red pandas, giraffes, and hippos.

Aviaries designed for bird habitats in Chongqing Three Gorges Zoo. (Photo: Xie Zhiqiang)

The Chongqing Three Gorges Zoo. (Photo: Xie Zhiqiang)

The sea lion area is under renovation. (Photo: Xie Zhiqiang)

The Chongqing Three Gorges Zoo. (Photo: Xie Zhiqiang)

A parking facility near the zoo. (Photo: Xie Zhiqiang)

Construction began in June 2022. All main structures and internal road systems have been completed, while work continues on the veterinary and animal transfer facilities, the interior fit-out of exhibition halls, security system expansion, smart park infrastructure, and landscaping upgrades.