A rendering of the Shanhai Scarlet Ball Park in Liandu district, Lishui. [Photo/WeChat ID: lsnews]

The new zoo, "Shanhai Scarlet Ball Park", is under construction in Liandu district, Lishui, and is set to open in May 2025.

This project covers an area of 35,147 square meters with a total investment of approximately 220 million yuan ($30.20 million). Located in Shixuantou village, Dagangtou town, near the Guyan Huaxiang scenic area, it is just a 30-minute drive from the city center.

"The park breaks traditional boundaries by selecting domesticated animal species and creating natural living environments. Visitors can interact closely with the animals to really connect with nature," said Dong Xiaohua, chairman of Zhong Tang Group.

The Shanhai Scarlet Ball Park will take visitors on a journey through 600 million years of Earth's biological evolution. It offers an immersive experience with ten themed exhibitions, including prehistoric deep seas, the Amazon Basin, and the Gondwana continent.

According to project manager Pang Min, the park hopes for over a hundred different animal species, including red pandas, elands, otters, raccoons, squirrel monkeys, sulcata tortoises, toco toucans, and Valais blacknose sheep.

Pang also noted that the park is great for families as it blends animal science with woodlands, vibrant performances, and tech-savvy entertainment.