‘动物园’ literally means ‘animal garden’ — a compound noun formed from 动 (dòng, ‘moving’, used here for ‘animal’) + 物 (wù, ‘thing’ or ‘creature’) + 园 (yuán, ‘garden’ or ‘park’). Together, these characters describe a designated public place where wild and exotic animals are kept in enclosures or naturalistic habitats for conservation, education, and public viewing. It’s a common, neutral-term noun used across all registers — in casual conversation, school field trips, travel guides, and news reports.

Zoos in China often emphasize both entertainment and ecological awareness, sometimes incorporating science centers or breeding programs for endangered species. While smaller animal parks may use terms like ‘野生动物园’ (wildlife park) or ‘动物世界’ (animal world), ‘动物园’ remains the standard, universally understood term for a traditional zoo with varied animal exhibits, walking paths, and visitor facilities.