To celebrate the calf's one-month milestone, the keepers prepared a refreshing, juicy watermelon. The brown-and-white striped tapir calf posed alongside the yellow-and-green striped watermelon, creating an amusing "pair of melons"—one brown and one green—for a memorable photo. Afterwards, the watermelon was shared by the mother and calf. At first, the little tapir merely sniffed the watermelon and cautiously touched it with her mouth. Only after the keepers cut the watermelon open and her mother, Putri, took several big bites did the calf begin tasting the pieces of fruit that had fallen to the ground, tentatively sampling the watermelon for the first time. The one-month celebration thus became a joyful moment of sharing a tasty treat between mother and daughter.

The calf is currently covered with white spots and stripes, making her look just like a dark brown watermelon. This distinctive coat pattern helps newborn Malayan tapir calves stay hidden in the wild. Before long, her coat will begin changing around the rump, and over the following months it will gradually transform into the adult coloration of a black front and white hindquarters, changing from looking like a watermelon hidden among the bushes to resembling a rock beside a stream. Keepers recently noticed that the calf has begun teething. In addition to nursing, she has started following her mother to explore and nibble on branches and leaves, and has also been observed eating leafy vegetables. Exploring food alongside her mother not only satisfies her curiosity but also helps her gradually learn about her surroundings and the foods she will eat as she grows. For now, the calf remains in the zoo's off-exhibit animal care area, please stay tuned to the zoo's baby animal updates for more news about her growth.

Born on April 20, the chick is the offspring of the zoo's resident Red-crowned Cranes, KIKA (female) and BIG (male), and is the second chick successfully hatched by the pair after a four-year interval. At birth, its tiny body was covered in light brown down, making it look much like a little chick. Growing rapidly, it reached the height of its parents' legs at around one month of age. By nearly two months old, white and brown feathers began to emerge as its fluffy down was gradually replaced. Now at four and a half months old, the young crane has developed a strong, slender body and nearly full plumage. It looks almost like a differently colored version of its parents, with body proportions nearly identical to theirs, while its feather coloration is still distinct.

Recently, the father crane, BIG, has continued to keep a close watch and actively warn off anyone approaching the enclosure. The young crane, however, no longer stays close beside its mother as it did when it was younger. Instead, it has become curious and will cautiously approach unfamiliar people to observe them. The area behind the chick's rump is now covered with dark feathers similar to those of an adult. Although this may look like a tail, it is actually formed by elongated tertial flight feathers extending from the wings rather than true tail feathers. Now that its wings are almost fully grown, the young crane occasionally flaps them and briefly lifts off the ground, providing an excellent opportunity to see this distinctive feature.

As the young crane continues to grow, the yellowish-brown feathers on its head and neck will gradually darken until they become the characteristic black plumage of an adult. At the same time, the bare patch of skin on the top of its head will gradually develop into the species' distinctive red crown. Once these features have fully developed, the young crane will be one step closer to reaching adulthood.

Birth and death are natural parts of life. Through daily care, veterinary medicine, quality-of-life assessments, and other animal welfare practices, Taipei Zoo accompanies animals throughout every stage of their lives. As new animals are born, others inevitably pass away due to old age or illness, including Xi-Hui the white rhinoceros, gray wolves Wolf and Lola, leopard cat Xiao-Mu, koala Wolverine, pangolin Guo-Ran-Weng, and the elderly eastern gray kangaroo, "Grandma". The memorial also remembers animals such as pangolin Run-Hou-Tang and red panda Croissant, which departed for other institutions as part of genetic exchange and conservation breeding programs. Facing the loss of animal companions is an important part of the zoo's life education mission, and the Animal Memorial Service provides an opportunity to express remembrance, blessings, and gratitude for the companionship these animals shared with us.

The zoo's Animal Memorial Service dates back to the 1920s, when memorial ceremonies were held periodically for animals that had passed away. In the 1950s, the Asian elephant Malan even served as the symbolic animal representative during one of the ceremonies. However, as awareness of and commitment to animal welfare grew, live animals were no longer included in the rituals. Today, the Animal Memorial Service has become an annual event held in conjunction with Ghost Festival traditions and has evolved into a more inclusive practice. For example, online ceremonies were held during the COVID-19 pandemic to overcome space limitations, and different forms of ceremonies have been organized to respect diverse religious beliefs. On September 9, 2026, Mucha Zhongshun Temple was invited to conduct the memorial, universal offering, and blessing ceremony, commemorating the animals that once lived at the zoo and praying for the safety and well-being of both the animals and people at Taipei Zoo.

The year 2026 marks the 112th anniversary of Taipei Zoo and the 40th anniversary of its relocation from its former Yuanshan site to its current home in Mucha. Over the past 40 years, the zoo has welcomed the birth of new animals while also bidding farewell to others as they reached the end of their lives. During this time, Taipei Zoo has evolved from a traditional zoo primarily focused on exhibiting exotic animals into a modern institution dedicated to conservation education. By integrating both in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts, the zoo now places wildlife conservation and animal welfare at the core of its mission.

At birth, Malayan tapir calves have black coats covered with white spots and stripes. These markings resemble the dappled sunlight filtering through forest leaves and branches, helping camouflage the calves in the wild. At around one and a half to two months of age, the coat begins to lighten starting around the rump. By five to six months of age, the calf will have developed the species' characteristic black-and-white coloration, with white markings remaining across the back, sides, and the tips of the ears.

This year's Malayan tapir calf is the offspring of Mo-Shu, who was born at Taipei Zoo, and Putri, who came from Singapore's Mandai Wildlife Group. The calf is currently staying with her mother at the zoo's Conservation and Research Center, which is not open to the public. Under the attentive care of Putri and the keepers, everyone hopes the calf will continue to grow up healthy.

On May 20 this year, a young male Malayan tapir named Bintang ("Star"), also from Singapore, arrived at Taipei Zoo. He is currently living in the Tropical Rainforest Area, next to the Kookaburra exhibit, and visitors are welcome to stop by and see him.

As part of this year's birthday celebration, keepers once again created a seasonal food-based behavioral enrichment activity for Yuan Yuan. Using pineapples, carrots, grapes, kiwifruit, sugarcane, and cantaloupe—along with pumpkins and cucumbers introduced for the first time—they combined these ingredients with golden bamboo and arrow bamboo to create a colorful "Fruit and Vegetable Train." The design not only encourages healthy eating by highlighting fruits and vegetables, but also commemorates the 40th anniversary of Taipei Zoo's relocation from its former Yuanshan site to its current location in Wenshan District.

For Yuan Yuan, this birthday gift is more than simply a nutritious seasonal treat. The entire process—from discovering and sniffing the food to exploring and figuring out how to reach her favorite items—is itself an important form of behavioral enrichment that enhances her daily life.

Bamboo remains the primary component of a giant panda's diet, so their "birthday feast" is quite different from what many people might imagine. Fruits and vegetables are offered as supplementary items to provide dietary variety and behavioral enrichment rather than serving as the main part of the daily diet. As Yuan Yuan has grown older, the husbandry team has paid even closer attention to the variety, palatability, and actual intake of her food, making adjustments based on her appetite, activity level, and overall health each day. This year's selection of ingredients with different colors, aromas, textures, and tastes was intended to provide Yuan Yuan with a refreshing experience while maintaining appropriate nutritional management.

At 22 years of age, Yuan Yuan has entered her senior years. Caring for an elderly giant panda involves far more than simply ensuring she eats well and gets enough rest. Keepers routinely monitor her body weight, appetite, fecal condition, activity level, and behavior. Through regular health monitoring, medical training, dietary adjustments, and environmental and behavioral enrichment, they closely track the physiological and behavioral changes that may accompany aging. They also record her daily consumption of bamboo leaves and formulated diet, comparing these records with changes in body weight and fecal condition to adjust food quantities and bamboo species when needed, helping maintain a healthy gut environment. Because dental health becomes increasingly important in older animals, keepers also carefully monitor the amount of bamboo stalks Yuan Yuan eats. While bamboo stalks provide essential fiber, they also contribute to tooth wear, so a greater variety of bamboo leaves is offered to supplement her fiber intake.

Through long-term, consistent training, keepers build trust and cooperation with the pandas, allowing routine healthcare procedures and health monitoring to be carried out. These include oral examinations, dental cleaning, blood pressure measurement, X-rays, and ultrasound examinations. Regular medical training enables veterinarians and keepers to monitor the pandas' health without the need for anesthesia. In addition, keepers conduct giant panda training demonstrations and educational talks at 3:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at the Giant Panda House. Visitors are welcome to attend, and further information is available on the Taipei Zoo website.

For senior animals, maintaining a high quality of life is an essential part of their care. Appropriate behavioral enrichment is not simply about providing toys or special treats; it involves creating opportunities through changes in the environment, sensory experiences, food presentation, and activities that allow animals to make choices, explore, and express natural behaviors. The husbandry team tailors enrichment activities to Yuan Yuan's age, physical condition, and individual preferences. Rather than pursuing greater activity or more complex challenges, the goal is to encourage her to participate voluntarily and enjoy appropriate stimulation throughout the experience.

Yuan Yuan's 22nd birthday behavioral enrichment display reflects the husbandry team's year-round commitment to her health and well-being, while also serving as an opportunity to thank the many visitors who have accompanied the pandas over the years. May this specially prepared "Fruit and Vegetable Train" carry everyone's warm wishes as we celebrate Yuan Yuan's birthday and wish her many more healthy, comfortable, and joyful days ahead, lived at her own pace.

According to Taipei Zoo, the calf's father, Mo-Shu, was paired with Putri throughout 2025. During a routine ultrasound training session in November, keepers and veterinarians confirmed that Putri was pregnant. After more than half a year of careful preparation and eager anticipation, Putri gave birth to a healthy, robust female calf on August 17, 2026.

While Putri was eating breakfast, keepers took the opportunity to weigh the calf and record her basic body measurements. The female calf weighed 8.6 kilograms, almost the same as her older brother Treeda, who weighed 8.66 kilograms when he was born on July 26, 2023. She measured 72.5 centimeters in body length and 23.8 centimeters in head length. The calf appeared slightly nervous while being carried, weighed, and measured by the keepers. As the veterinarian treated Putri's umbilical stump following the birth, the calf sat quietly nearby. After the veterinary examination confirmed that the calf was in good overall condition and that her umbilical cord was healing well, the keepers were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Beginning in early July, the veterinary team conducted weekly prenatal examinations for Putri, monitoring the fetus's heartbeat, size, position, and posture in the uterus. During an ultrasound examination on August 11, they observed a significant decrease in amniotic fluid and concluded that delivery was likely to occur soon. As expected, the calf was born safely at 11:51 p.m. on August 17. Because the birth was so recent, both mother and calf remain sensitive to their surroundings. Keepers have prepared a quiet and comfortable nursery area so that Putri can focus on caring for and bonding with her calf. Over the coming days, they will continue to closely monitor the health and condition of both mother and calf, hoping the youngster continues to grow safely and thrive.

【Malayan Tapir Profile】

Putri, the mother, was born on June 3, 2013, and arrived at Taipei Zoo from the Singapore Zoo in 2021. The father, Mo-Shu, was born on May 30, 2014. The pair welcomed their first calf, a male named Treeda, in 2023, successfully bred again in 2025, and welcomed their second calf—a healthy female—on August 17, 2026.

In early 2025, Taiwan officially recognized a newly described endangered endemic frog species. Previously regarded as the Taiwanese population of the Harpist frog, it was confirmed as a distinct species through research conducted by teams from National Taiwan Normal University, the Biodiversity Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Forestry Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture. The species was named the Yuchi Music Frog (Nidirana shyhhuangi) after the area where it is found, while its specific name honors Professor Shyh-Huang Chen, who first discovered the species. Today, the Yuchi Music Frog is known from only two wetland habitats—Lianhuachi and Sun Moon Lake in Yuchi Township, Nantou County. At one point, the adult wild population was estimated to have declined to only a few hundred individuals. Because of its extremely restricted range, the species is highly vulnerable to human disturbance, environmental pollution, climate change, invasive species, and habitat loss caused by land development.

As part of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture 's Endangered Species Conservation Action Plan, Taipei Zoo has participated in conservation efforts for the Yuchi Music Frog since 2022. The zoo received tadpoles rescued by the Biodiversity Research Institute after falling autumn water levels left them stranded outside shrinking wetlands. Through captive breeding, the zoo established an ex situ assurance population and successfully bred adult frogs beginning in 2023. By 2026, more than 3,000 juvenile frogs had successfully completed metamorphosis, providing an important source population for future reintroduction efforts. The Yuchi Music Frog displays a unique mud-nesting behavior. Male frogs dig flask-shaped mud chambers, where they call to attract females for breeding. Eggs are laid inside these nests and develop into tadpoles. When rainfall breaks open the mud nests, the tadpoles are washed naturally into nearby water, where they continue their development. To recreate the frogs' natural habitat, zoo keepers carefully selected suitable clay-rich soil and provided leaf litter, sheltering vegetation, and rocks to simulate the moist, soft mudflats found along forest streams. These conditions allow the frogs to settle comfortably and encourage natural nest-building and breeding behavior.

The newly renovated Yuchi Music Frog exhibit near the exit of the Amphibian and Reptile House recreates the environmental conditions needed for the species to grow and breed. This area already features exhibits for Taipei frog and Asiatic Banded Water Snake, and the relocation of the Yuchi Music Frog exhibit creates a dedicated space introducing Taiwan's native endangered amphibians and reptiles. Through close-up observation, visitors can learn about these unique native species while also gaining a deeper understanding that conserving wild populations depends on the long-term collaboration and research efforts of local communities, conservation organizations, and scientists.

As the last eastern grey kangaroo at the zoo, she had become like an old friend who had witnessed the zoo's changes over the years. Born at Taipei Zoo, she spent her energetic younger years hopping across the grassy enclosure, accompanying generations of visitors as they grew up.

As she grew older, Grandma Kangaroo gradually developed age-related eye conditions, while her digestive function and other bodily systems also began to decline. Despite the dedicated care and constant companionship of the keepers and veterinary team, her body continued to age with time, eventually peacefully passed away on August 15, 2026.

Thank you, Grandma Eastern Grey Kangaroo. Through your 20 years and 11 months of life, you taught us valuable lessons about life, aging, and the meaning of companionship.

Ke-Yi has recovered well following her Cesarean section. After a period of rest and observation, she has gradually returned to her normal enclosure and daily routine. Yi Bao, however, was born prematurely with underdeveloped lungs and other organs, requiring a higher level of medical support. He therefore remains the veterinary team's highest priority for intensive care.

Because Yi Bao was born prematurely, his lungs and other organs were not yet fully developed at birth. He initially required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation to support his breathing. As his ability to breathe independently gradually improved, the medical team determined that he was ready for extubation. He is now receiving oxygen therapy through a high-flow nasal cannula while his breathing and overall physical condition continue to be closely monitored.

With continuous care, Yi Bao has been steadily gaining weight. His activity level, limb movements, and responses to external stimuli have all become more noticeable than they were shortly after birth. He has also recently begun bottle-feeding sessions with assistance from his caregivers to practice sucking and swallowing. For Yi Bao, who was born prematurely, every seemingly small improvement—from breathing and feeding to increasing activity—marks an important milestone in his development.

However, the immaturity of Yi Bao's lungs resulting from his premature birth remains the greatest medical challenge. During his recovery, he has experienced episodes of lung collapse and inflammation, and he still requires respiratory support through a high-flow nasal cannula. His digestive system is also not yet fully developed, and he has experienced bloating and digestive difficulties. The veterinary team continues to monitor his lungs and overall physical condition through clinical observation, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory testing, adjusting his treatment and care plan on a daily basis. Because all of his organs are still developing, his condition may change as he grows. Although encouraging progress has been seen in his weight, activity level, and feeding, it is still too early to say that he is out of danger.

Since Yi Bao was born on June 29, the Taipei Zoo's medical team has provided round-the-clock care through a three-shift schedule. While continuing to meet the daily medical needs of the zoo's other animals, the team has remained dedicated to Yi Bao's care, adjusting his treatment plan according to his clinical condition each day. They have watched him progress from requiring intensive life support to gradually developing the ability to breathe, suck independently, and become more active. Every milestone has been hard earned.

This unique medical journey has also benefited from valuable interdisciplinary collaboration. The Taipei Zoo sincerely thanks the Neonatology team at National Taiwan University Hospital for providing ongoing professional support and clinical advice. Their expertise in respiratory care, nutrition, gastrointestinal tolerance, and the assessment of premature newborns has offered invaluable guidance. This collaboration between human and veterinary medicine has provided the zoo's medical team with additional expertise to support clinical decision-making while caring for this rare and complex premature case.

Annually on August 19, International Orangutan Day raises awareness of the conservation challenges orangutans face in the wild. The Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is listed as Critically Endangered, with wild populations continuing to decline due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, illegal hunting, and wildlife trafficking. Orangutans reproduce slowly, and their young depend on their mothers for many years to learn essential survival skills such as foraging and nest building. As a result, once wild populations decline, recovery can take many decades.

Yi Bao's story is still unfolding. The Taipei Zoo's veterinary and animal care teams will continue supporting him every step of the way as he overcomes the challenges associated with premature birth. Everyone hopes that one day, when Yi Bao is physically mature and medically stable, he will be able to reunite with his mother, Ke-Yi. Until then, every decision will continue to be made with his health and welfare as the highest priorities and based on careful assessment of his condition. We sincerely thank everyone for their continued care and encouragement, and hope that International Orangutan Day will inspire greater awareness not only of Ke-Yi and Yi Bao, but also gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges facing orangutans and the habitats they depend on.

Cotton-top tamarins are small, tree-dwelling primates found primarily in the forests of Colombia. They have hairless black faces and are best known for the striking crest of long white hair on the tops of their heads. When alarmed, they raise this crest to make themselves appear larger. Their backs and tails are black, while their undersides are white. Their small, agile bodies are equipped with sharp claws that allow them to grip slender branches securely and move effortlessly through the forest canopy. As omnivores, they feed on fruits, young shoots, insects, spiders, bird eggs, and small vertebrates, and they occasionally forage among the leaf litter on the forest floor. They also play an important role in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers.

Following the zoo's temporary closure in late June 2026, keepers introduced two lively cotton-top tamarins to roam freely inside the Tropical Rainforest Indoor House (Pangolin Dome). Visitors may spot them moving through the dense vegetation, running along the handrails, or even resting on the roof near the entrance. Taipei Zoo reminds visitors to keep all personal food securely stored while enjoying these charming primates to prevent them from accidentally eating inappropriate food, and asks everyone not to feed the animals. Feeding animals can lead to nutritional imbalances and negatively affect both their health and their natural behaviors. An immersive wildlife experience depends on everyone's cooperation in following the Three No's—No Feeding, No Touching, and No Disturbing—while maintaining an appropriate "social distance" from the animals. By doing so, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable experience without disturbing the animals.

To support the health of the zoo's well-loved and aging animals, Taipei Zoo invited experts in veterinary medicine and animal science from National Taiwan University, together with the zoo's nutritionists and veterinarians, to participate in an Animal Nutrition Expert Panel on August 13, 2026. The meeting focused on the nutritional management and health care of giant pandas, white rhinos, and giraffes. Drawing on long-term records—including body weight, food intake, fecal output, activity levels, and health examination results—the participants reviewed the current diets and explored ways to further develop individualized precision nutrition plans.

The three giant pandas currently cared for at Taipei Zoo are at different life stages and each has its own health condition and digestive characteristics. As they age, it is not appropriate to apply the same fixed proportions of bamboo shoots, bamboo leaves, and formulated feed to every individual. Instead, each diet should be adjusted according to the animal's age, health status, activity level, seasonal conditions, and previous digestive responses—an approach that reflects the core concept of precision nutrition.

Many visitors ask, "How much bamboo shoots, bamboo leaves, and bamboo culms should giant pandas eat?" In the wild, the composition of a giant panda's diet naturally changes with the seasons. During the bamboo shoot season, pandas consume more shoots, while bamboo leaves and culms make up a larger proportion of their diet at other times. Therefore, there is no single diet ratio that applies throughout the year. The moisture content, fiber, energy, and digestibility of bamboo shoots, leaves, and culms are not the same for every giant panda. As a result, evaluating a panda's diet involves much more than simply comparing how many kilograms it eats. Nutrition must be assessed together with the bamboo species and plant parts provided, body weight, actual food intake, fecal output, and overall health. For example, the recent decrease in appetite among the zoo's giant pandas during pseudopregnancy has led some fans to worry that the pandas are hungry. In addition, the zoo's three giant pandas have shown individual differences in digestive conditions, including the occurrence of mucus stools. In the future, gut microbiome analyses will provide additional scientific evidence to support further dietary adjustments.

Regarding the nutritional management of aging herbivores, experts noted that advancing age may affect dental condition, digestion and nutrient absorption, muscle metabolism, joint health, and mobility. As a result, even when animals consume the same diet, they may no longer absorb nutrients as efficiently as before. For elderly white rhinos, weight management involves more than monitoring body weight alone. Body Condition Score (BCS), muscle mass, dental and oral health, gait, and mobility are all evaluated to determine whether changes in body weight are part of the normal aging process or are associated with underlying health issues before any dietary adjustments are made. Likewise, dietary management is not simply a matter of increasing protein when an animal loses weight; energy, protein, fiber, and nutrient digestibility must all be considered together. For giraffes experiencing watery stools, keepers also evaluate the balance between concentrate feed and roughage, digestive responses to different forage types, and conditions within the gastrointestinal fermentation system, while first ruling out any underlying disease before gradually adjusting the diet.

Animal care is a complex discipline that combines professional expertise with practical experience. It involves many factors, including each animal's physical condition, behavior, health, environment, and daily management. All care practices and adjustments at Taipei Zoo are carefully determined by interdisciplinary teams based on scientific evaluation, each animal's health status, and established husbandry protocols. We appreciate the public's trust and continued support for our science-based animal care.

Taipei Zoo respects the public's concern for animal welfare and for the work of our animal keepers. We also understand and appreciate the public's care and expectations for the animals living at the zoo. Visitors' observations and suggestions will continue to be collected and incorporated into ongoing reviews so that husbandry practices, health care, habitat management, and operational procedures can be continuously improved based on each animal's condition and professional recommendations. The zoo also reminds everyone to respect personal privacy when interacting online. Please do not photograph, publish, or repost images or personal information of staff members without their permission, and avoid placing inappropriate pressure on frontline staff through online comments or images.

Taipei Zoo appreciates the public's continued concern for the animals and sincerely thanks everyone for their long-standing support of wildlife conservation. The zoo will remain committed to animal welfare and professional care while safeguarding the right of all staff to carry out their work in a respectful, supportive, and interference-free environment. Together, we hope to create a zoo where both animals and people are treated with care and respect.

During the 2026 breeding season, four pairs of African penguins produced six fertile eggs. The oldest and largest chick hatched in mid-May, while the youngest emerged from its egg at the end of June. Even a one-week age difference can lead to significant differences in the chicks' growth. Keepers introduce the chicks to the Penguin House colony only after they are about two months old and have begun replacing their insulating gray down with juvenile feathers. So far, three of this year's African penguin chicks have made their public debut!

The oldest chick, now approaching three months of age, has almost completely replaced its gray down with sleek gray-and-black juvenile plumage and has officially entered the subadult stage. Keepers have also begun helping the chick learn to swim. Curious about visitors, it often presses close to the viewing glass to watch people passing by. Visitors are kindly reminded not to tap on the glass or use flash photography, allowing the chick to explore its new surroundings without being disturbed. The other two chicks, a pair of nestmates that have just reached two months of age, still retain small patches of grayish-brown down on the backs of their necks and around their rumps. Having been inseparable since hatching, the brothers spend nearly the entire day side by side, making them especially delightful to watch.

The three young chicks are still getting acquainted with the mature penguins in the colony. Visitors are encouraged to observe their behaviors and interactions to see how penguins gradually integrate into the group through social behavior. Three younger chicks are still under two months of age. Keepers will continue to monitor their development and introduce them to the new activity area gradually when they are ready.

African penguin chicks grow quickly, and their appearance changes noticeably as they molt from day to day. This brief transition from fluffy chicks to sleek young penguins is a special stage that won't last long. The Temperate Zone Animal Area has prepared a new indoor activity area for the African penguins, located just outside the Penguin House (diagonally opposite the Penguin Shop). Be sure to visit the right location if you'd like to watch these adorable chicks as they grow and molt!

Animals in nature display a remarkable variety of family structures and parenting roles. Greater flamingos are an excellent example of shared parenting. After laying an egg, both parents take turns incubating it. Flamingo chicks are semi-precocial, meaning they cannot move around freely immediately after hatching, but within a few days they begin following their parents to explore their surroundings. Both male and female greater flamingos produce crop milk in their upper digestive tract to feed their chicks, so visitors can often observe chicks begging for food while either parent bends down to feed them. African penguins also share parenting duties. After a pair lays an egg, the male and female take turns incubating it. While one remains at the nest, the other heads out to sea to forage before returning to switch roles—a wonderful example of cooperative parenting. Although male and female emus look very similar, their parenting roles are quite different. After laying her eggs, the female leaves, and the male takes over, incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks on his own for several months. Emus demonstrate that fathers can be both gentle and devoted caregivers. The pumas in the Temperate Zone Animal Area showcase another parenting strategy—that of a full-time mother. After mating, the male leaves, and the female takes sole responsibility for raising the cubs. From finding a safe den and hunting each day to feed her young, to teaching them essential survival skills , the mother puma takes on every aspect of raising her young, highlighting the remarkable resilience and independence often displayed by female animals in nature.

Unlike animals, humans have the ability to make choices and communicate, giving us even greater opportunities to build diverse and inclusive families through mutual understanding and respect. No matter what a family looks like or how responsibilities are shared, wherever people support one another and share responsibilities, that is home. Taipei Zoo warmly invites visitors of all ages to discover the diversity and warmth of family through the parenting strategies of these remarkable animals, and to see that there is no single definition of what a family should be. By learning about the many different family structures found in nature, children can also be inspired to appreciate their parents' love and care, and lend a helping hand with household chores.

In recent years, the Temperate Zone Animal Area has gradually upgraded its red panda outdoor habitats. This year, the outdoor enclosure beside the Penguin House was renovated by replacing the old wire-mesh fencing with floor-to-ceiling glass viewing panels, allowing visitors—especially children—to observe the red pandas from a lower and more open vantage point. The habitat features a multi-level, three-dimensional climbing structure with interconnected wooden ladders, rope bridges, and shaded shelters that blend naturally into the surrounding woodland. These layered structures provide abundant opportunities for climbing, resting, and hiding, allowing the red pandas to express their natural behaviors while creating an environment that more closely resembles their wild habitat. Visitors are encouraged to look for the red pandas among the trees, making the experience of spotting them among the trees even more enjoyable. The newly renovated habitat was completed just in time to welcome the two red pandas after quarantine. After several weeks of adapting to their new surroundings and becoming familiar with their keepers through training, the red pandas, Lele and Tiantian, officially made their public debut on July 29.

The red panda is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List and is included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). During the 2024 Taipei–Shanghai City Forum, the two cities signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation that includes animal exchanges, professional collaboration, and staff exchanges between their zoos, with the shared goal of strengthening ex situ conservation efforts for endangered species.

In 2026, Taipei Zoo welcomed two young red pandas from Shanghai Zoo—a three-year-old male, Lele, and a two-year-old female, Tiantian. By introducing these new bloodlines, the zoo aims to maintain a healthy population size, balanced age structure, and strong genetic diversity, while working together to advance the mission of ex situ conservation.

Belonging to the family Saturniidae, the Atlas moth is one of the world's largest moths in terms of wing surface area, with adults reaching a wingspan of 20 to 30 centimeters. It is widely distributed across eastern Asia, including the low-elevation foothills of Taiwan. Like all moths, the Atlas moth passes through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. At Taipei Zoo, the caterpillars are primarily fed plants such as Common Schefflera, guava leaves, and Autumn Maple leave. The bright green larvae are distinctive in appearance, with fleshy projections coated in a white waxy substance along their backs. After molting through six larval instars, they spin cocoons and pupate, cleverly wrapping leaves from their host plants around the outside so the cocoon resembles a curled dead leaf. The pupal stage usually lasts one to two months, but some individuals remain as pupae throughout the winter. In fact, among the Atlas moths that recently emerged at the Insectarium were individuals that had pupated more than six months ago.

Once Atlas moths emerge as adults, their mouthparts have already degenerated, leaving them unable to feed. As a result, they survive for only one to two weeks. During this brief stage of life, their sole purpose is reproduction. Male moths use their highly sensitive antennae to detect the pheromones released by females, allowing them to locate a mate and reproduce. For these short-lived adults, this is the most important task of their lives.

The Butterfly Greenhouse and caterpillar exhibits at Taipei Zoo's Insectarium showcase the remarkable diversity of insect life. Some species, such as the Paper Kite Butterfly and the Oakleaf Butterfly, breed continuously and can be observed throughout the year, displaying different behaviors as the seasons change. In contrast, members of the Saturniidae family, including the Atlas moth, have a much more seasonal life cycle. Depending on when visitors come, they may encounter different stages of the moth's development. If you are interested in observing these remarkable insects, now is an excellent time to visit.

Since 2015, Taipei Zoo has partnered with the School of Forestry and Resource Conservation at National Taiwan University and Mandarin Airlines on the Kinmen Blue-tailed Bee-eater Abandoned Egg Incubation Project. Through artificial incubation, abandoned eggs collected from the wild in Kinmen have become the founders of the zoo's ex situ assurance population. By the end of 2024, more than 400 abandoned eggs had been recovered. Candling examinations showed a fertilization rate of approximately 66%, while about 30% successfully hatched. However, fewer than 20 birds ultimately survived to adulthood and can now be seen flying freely inside the Pangolin Dome.

To maintain a stable ex situ population, the zoo's blue-tailed bee-eater care team created an artificial nesting cliff inside the Tropical Rainforest Indoor House (Pangolin Dome) in 2022, modeled after the species' natural nesting habitat in Kinmen. Using sandy loam samples collected from Kinmen, keepers carefully developed a nesting soil mixture that closely resembles the birds' natural nesting substrate. They then packed the prepared soil into narrow tubes to create nesting tunnels, encouraging the birds to dig their own nest burrows during the breeding season just as they do in the wild. After years of artificial chick-rearing, the zoo's population has grown from the challenge of having only male birds in 2018 to a balanced group of six males and five females by 2024, ultimately leading to the zoo's first successful natural breeding and chick-rearing in 2025.

During this year's breeding season, keepers observed one pair successfully establishing a nest and breeding. After laying and incubating their eggs in early to mid-June, four chicks gradually hatched beginning on July 4. As first-time parents, the adults were still learning how to care for their young during the first two days after hatching. Keepers repeatedly observed unsuccessful feeding attempts—sometimes an insect was dropped before it reached a chick, while at other times the prey was simply too large for a chick to swallow. On the morning of July 6, keepers discovered that only three chicks remained. After reviewing surveillance footage, they found that the inexperienced father had apparently tried to remove an insect that a chick could not swallow from the nest, but accidentally carried the chick out with it. Fortunately, the parent birds quickly improved their parenting skills. If feeding one chick was unsuccessful, they would immediately feed another or adjust the angle of the insect before trying again, showing great persistence in caring for every chick. To help ensure all of the chicks developed evenly, the care team drew on last year's successful experience with assisted chick-rearing. During the early stages, keepers caught insects throughout the zoo just as the parent birds did and provided four supplemental feedings each day, later adjusting the feeding schedule according to the parents' feeding performance and the chicks' growth.

The chicks are now growing rapidly. From tiny, pink, featherless hatchlings that resemble little "aliens," they have gradually developed into miniature birds covered with pin feathers. At around one month of age, they begin venturing out of the nest and follow their parents as they learn to fly and catch insects. Visitors hoping to see this blue-tailed bee-eater family taking flight together are encouraged to visit the Tropical Rainforest Indoor House (Pangolin Dome) around the end of July and watch the parent birds in action as they raise their young.

A Caesarean section was performed on the orangutan mother, "Ke-Yi," a few days ago. Although the surgery successfully delivered the twins, both infants were immediately transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), where they received continuous 24-hour monitoring by the veterinary team.

Yesterday (June 30), around noon, Xiao Bao's vital signs began to fluctuate dramatically, showing signs of respiratory distress. The medical team immediately initiated emergency resuscitation. Unfortunately, due to congenital developmental limitations associated with prematurity, Xiao Bao went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 12:38 a.m. today despite every effort to save the infant.

The medical team's full attention is now focused on "Da Bao," the surviving twin, who continues to fight for life. Da Bao is also suffering from neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Because the lungs are not yet fully developed, the infant is unable to breathe effectively without assistance, and the condition remains extremely critical. In an effort to preserve Ke-Yi's bloodline, Taipei Zoo's veterinary team continues to provide round-the-clock intensive care in the ICU. Throughout the rescue and ongoing treatment, the zoo is deeply grateful to the neonatologists from National Taiwan University Hospital, whose timely guidance has supported both Xiao Bao's emergency treatment and the development of precise respiratory support, medication plans, and physiological monitoring strategies for Da Bao.

The zoo stated that Da Bao has shown a strong will to survive, but the coming days will be a decisive period. We sincerely ask the public to keep Da Bao in their thoughts and hopes the infant can safely overcome this critical stage.

While mourning the loss of the newborn, the medical team reported that orangutan mother "Ke-Yi" is recovering steadily following her Caesarean section. Veterinarians and keepers continue to closely monitor her post-operative recovery, including wound healing and nutritional intake.

Taipei Zoo extends its heartfelt gratitude to all medical partners and members for their support following the orangutan Caesarean section. Although Xiao Bao was unable to survive, the zoo remains committed to respecting every life and will continue dedicating all available veterinary resources and cross-disciplinary medical expertise to caring for Da Bao. We also sincerely ask everyone to continue sending their encouragement and support to Da Bao.

The orangutan is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List and is among the slowest-reproducing mammals in the wild. Female orangutans typically give birth only once every six to eight years, and more than 99% of births involve a single infant. As strictly arboreal great apes, mothers must support themselves with one arm while holding their infant tightly against their abdomen as they move through the forest canopy. As a result, in the wild, the birth of twins almost always means that both infants are unlikely to survive. Even under human care, twin births in orangutans remain exceptionally rare.

Taipei Zoo noted that although Caesarean sections in non-human primates are uncommon, there are international precedents. In recent years, institutions such as Singapore Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, and Higashiyama Zoo in Japan have handled high-risk orangutan and other primate obstetric cases through collaboration among veterinarians, animal care staff, and human specialists in obstetrics, anesthesiology, neonatology, and pediatrics. Because great apes and humans share certain similarities in pregnancy monitoring, anesthesia risks, perinatal assessment, and neonatal care, cross-disciplinary collaboration has become an important professional support model for managing high-risk pregnancies in endangered primates.

The orangutan involved in this surgery, Ke-Yi, had previously experienced a pregnancy that did not end successfully. As a result, the zoo managed this pregnancy as a high-risk case from the outset. Ultrasound examinations revealed that Ke-Yi was carrying extraordinarily rare identical twins. Because a twin pregnancy places a considerable burden on both the mother and the fetuses, allowing the pregnancy to progress to natural delivery could have increased the risks of dystocia, fetal distress, and maternal complications. After careful evaluation, the veterinary and animal care teams decided to perform a planned Caesarean section to maximize the safety of both the mother and her twins.

Faced with this high-risk delivery, where every moment mattered, Taipei Zoo activated a cross-disciplinary care team that integrated expertise in conservation breeding, animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, and human healthcare. The veterinary team also drew upon fetal ultrasound monitoring data collected in recent years. Through voluntary, non-anesthetized ultrasound training during pregnancy, they continuously monitored the twins' development and Ke-Yi's condition, providing essential information for determining the optimal timing of the surgery.

Because of Ke-Yi's previous obstetric history, together with the increasing physical burden of late pregnancy and discordant fetal growth, the team concluded that waiting until full term would further increase the risks to both the mother and the fetuses. They therefore chose to perform a Caesarean section before full term at the safest possible time. Born prematurely, the twins are very small, and their ability to regulate body temperature, maintain stable breathing, and suckle has not yet fully developed. They will require intensive care from the veterinary and animal care teams in the coming weeks.

Immediately after birth, neither infant established stable spontaneous breathing. The team promptly provided warming, respiratory support, and continuous monitoring of their vital signs. Both infants remain under intensive observation and have not yet passed the critical stage. Stabilizing their breathing, maintaining body temperature, establishing adequate nutrition, and preventing infection remain the greatest challenges ahead. The care team will continue to closely monitor both infants and do everything possible to protect these precious new lives.

Every new life is one of the most precious and fragile moments in conservation work. Faced with the many uncertainties surrounding the breeding of critically endangered species, the team will continue to support Ke-Yi's recovery with professionalism, patience, and respect for life while devoting every effort to helping her premature twins through this critical period. Taipei Zoo sincerely thanks everyone for their care and encouragement and hopes that the experience gained through this cross-disciplinary collaboration will contribute valuable experience to future great ape reproductive care and endangered species conservation.

Although Yuan Bao has entered her pseudopregnancy, the keepers still put their creativity and imagination to work on her birthday (June 28) by designing a special behavioral enrichment environment to encourage her to eat more and explore. This year's birthday enrichment theme was "Space Adventure." Throughout the exhibit, bamboo, crushed ice, apples, sugarcane, kiwifruit, grapes, cherry tomatoes, pineapples, carrots, and corn were creatively combined with enrichment items to create an outer-space setting. The exhibit included bucket rockets, buoy planets, a burlap "Yoga Planet," and mysterious little aliens scattered throughout. At the center stood an Earth-shaped ice sculpture topped with a little space bear holding a flag bearing the number "6." As Yuan Bao wandered through the habitat, she looked just like a "space panda," exploring the delicious and playful enrichment items prepared for her. Although Taipei Zoo remains closed for annual maintenance today, the zoo has received many birthday wishes for Yuan Bao and looks forward to welcoming everyone back when the zoo reopens on July 2.

During the temporary closure, the Giant Panda House is also renovating the indoor exhibit flooring and the walls of the outdoor exhibit to provide the pandas with a cooler and more comfortable outdoor environment before autumn arrives.

During the summer holidays, Taipei Zoo will launch the animal adoption campaign. Pop-up booths will be set up in front of the elevator on the first floor of the Giant Panda House (Shin Kong Special Exhibition Hall) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on July 11, July 25, August 8, and August 22. Visitors are invited to support wildlife conservation through action. Those who make an on-site donation will receive a limited-edition Giant Panda commemorative souvenir.

Earlier this year (2026), Taipei Zoo discovered that the female Red-crowned Crane, KIKA, and the male, BIG, had laid another egg. After confirming that the egg was fertile, it was transferred to the Zoo's Avian Artificial Incubation Room for incubation. Two days before the expected hatching date, the egg was returned to KIKA so she could complete the incubation herself, and the chick successfully hatched on April 20, 2026. During its first few days, the chick was covered in light brown down resembling dried grass and stayed close to its mother KIKA. Whenever KIKA crouched down to rest, the chick would sometimes climb onto and hide on her back. Meanwhile, the father, BIG, remained highly vigilant. Whenever anyone approached, he would closely monitor the situation, drive intruders away, and call to KIKA as the pair gave loud warning calls together.

Under the devoted care of its parents, the crane chick has been growing at an astonishing rate. By early May, at around three weeks old, its body and neck had already become noticeably longer, while its long legs appeared sturdy and powerful. At nearly one month of age, its beak had also begun to lengthen, giving it the proportions of a miniature version of its parents. By then, it had already grown taller than the adults' legs, although it was still dressed in its brown downy "baby outfit." By late May, however, white down and feathers had begun replacing the fluff on its abdomen, the upper portions of its legs, and the inner wings, while its back had developed deep brown plumage, dramatically changing its appearance. Although the chick is only two months old, it is growing so quickly that every visit offers a chance to see a different look.

As the chick continues to grow, it has become much easier to spot in the exhibit. Visitors may even catch heartwarming moments of the young crane foraging alongside its mother, KIKA. Animal babies grow up faster than you might expect, so if you'd like to see this young crane while it still has its adorable yellowish-brown down, don't wait too long.

In 2022, Taipei Zoo loaned the male pangolin "Guo Bao" and the female pangolin "Run Hou Tang" to Prague Zoo as part of a breeding loan program. Soon afterward, the pair produced two offspring: the female pangolin "Šiška" (Pinecone) in 2023 and another female, "Connie," in 2024, successfully planting the seeds of a European satellite population. In 2026, under the coordination of the EAZA Pangolin Ex-situ Programme (Pangolin EEP), Guo Bao was transferred to Frankfurt Zoo in Germany. Through coordinated population management, the program aims to diversify species survival risks and strengthen the overseas satellite population.

The Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Wild populations continue to decline because of poaching, making pangolins the most heavily trafficked mammals in the illegal wildlife trade. As a participating institution in the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Program administered by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Taipei Zoo has accumulated decades of experience in rescuing and caring for pangolins since the 1990s. Over the years, the zoo has developed specialized expertise in husbandry, veterinary care, reproductive physiology research, and hand-rearing. As a result, Taipei Zoo has become one of the very few institutions in the world capable of consistently caring for and breeding Chinese Pangolins. Through partnerships with international zoos, Taipei Zoo continues to promote pangolin conservation while raising global awareness of illegal wildlife trade.

In 2022, Taipei Zoo loaned the male pangolin "Guo Bao" and the female pangolin "Run Hou Tang" to Prague Zoo. Supported by close collaboration and technical exchanges between the two zoos, the pair soon produced offspring. In February 2023, the birth of the female pangolin "Šiška" (Pinecone) marked the first successful pangolin birth at Prague Zoo and in any European zoo. In July 2024, another female pangolin, "Connie," was born. These consecutive breeding successes significantly increased the attention given to pangolin conservation among European zoos. With Taipei Zoo's support, the EAZA Pangolin Ex-situ Programme (Pangolin EEP) was established, bringing together greater resources and collaboration opportunities for pangolin conservation.

Under the coordination of the conservation programme, Guo Bao relocated to Frankfurt Zoo in early June 2026. His new home, Grzimek House, is one of the largest nocturnal animal houses in Europe. Because pangolins are highly sensitive animals with specialized dietary requirements, the animal care team at Frankfurt Zoo made thorough preparations with support and experience shared by the teams from Prague Zoo and Taipei Zoo. Keepers from Prague Zoo also accompanied Guo Bao during the transfer to help him adjust to his new surroundings. The conservation program will continue evaluating suitable female candidates for future breeding in order to establish a sustainable ex-situ population in Germany. More importantly, as a conservation ambassador, Guo Bao will help raise public awareness in Europe of pangolin conservation and the challenges facing wild pangolins.

Taipei Zoo previously cared for 12 red pandas (7 males and 5 females). Among those of breeding age, most are descendants of Huan-Huan, Mei-Ke, and Ya-Ya from the Fuzhou Panda World. Red panda "Chi-Chi" (Yaffa) is the offspring of Huan-Huan and Ya-Ya. To ensure the long-term health of its red panda population, Taipei Zoo actively collaborates with zoos around the world through red panda transfers and exchanges. Introducing new bloodlines helps prevent inbreeding, makes more effective use of available holding space, and maintains a healthy population size, age structure, and genetic diversity.

The red panda is one of the species managed under the Global Species Management Plan (GSMP) of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). As a participant in the Red Panda Conservation Program, Taipei Zoo coordinated with Singapore Zoo to transfer the 10-year-old male red panda "Chi-Chi" to Singapore. Both zoos selected the most suitable individual after carefully considering age, sex, and bloodline. Keepers also devoted considerable effort to training Chi-Chi to enter his transport crate calmly, helping ensure a smooth journey for this naturally sensitive species. Through continued collaboration in red panda husbandry, veterinary care, and conservation research, the two zoos hope to support the healthy breeding and long-term conservation of the species.

Before 2019, Taipei Zoo was closed only one day each year, on Lunar New Year’s Eve. In order to carry out essential maintenance while continuing to serve visitors, the zoo’s indoor exhibition facilities used to take turns closing on different Mondays each month, with closures postponed to the following day if a Monday fell on a national holiday. Under year-round operations, however, major repairs and maintenance work on large facilities and landscapes could only be carried out in separate phases by carefully coordinating time and space. This fragmented approach often increased construction time and costs, while also prolonging the impact on visitors and animals. Since 2019, with public support, the zoo has therefore added a short closure period in late June, before the summer vacation season, when visitor impact is relatively low. This allows large machinery to enter the park more efficiently and enables multiple maintenance projects to be completed at the same time.

During this year’s 10-day closure from June 22 to July 1, the zoo will carry out a range of maintenance projects. Planned work includes improvements to animal habitats, such as repairing activity spaces for orangutans in the Tropical Rainforest Area, replacing climbing structures for clouded leopards in the Taiwan Animal Area, pruning vegetation in the lemur habitat in the African Animal Area, trimming the tree canopy in the Pangolin Dome, and updating native species displays in the Amphibian and Reptile House. In addition, various buildings and visitor facilities throughout the park will be cleaned and maintained, including pavilions, exhibition flooring, and visitor walkways, to create a more comfortable environment for future visits.

Other projects requiring heavy machinery will also be completed during this period, including typhoon-prevention tree pruning, drainage clearing and dredging, road resurfacing, and inspections of fire safety, air-conditioning, and electrical systems. Animals in key construction areas will be temporarily relocated from spaces undergoing renovation to reduce stress caused by the work. The zoo will also use this period to conduct a series of educational training programs and professional drills, including routine diver training, ticketing staff training, summer snake-encounter response training, and shuttle train accident drills. Through improvements in all these areas, Taipei Zoo hopes to further enhance animal welfare and strengthen service quality.

During these 10 days when the zoo is closed to the public, Taipei Zoo will work intensively to complete a wide range of maintenance projects. Through this efficient maintenance plan, the zoo aims to carry out comprehensive environmental inspections and facility upkeep, improve the quality of visitor recreation and viewing experiences, and shorten construction schedules to reduce disturbance to the animals. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Looking forward to welcome everyone back on July 2 for the summer vacation season!

As they search the sea for a legendary reef, the friends encounter a variety of intriguing environments, from kelp forests to sunken wrecks — and even outer space! Their unforgettable journey brings them face-to-face with an octopus, dolphins, anglerfish, and other exotic creatures. Throughout their adventure, they must avoid hungry sharks, hazardous pollution, and other dangers, as they seek a reef that may be a myth.

Legend of the Enchanted Reef is filled with humor and imagination that the whole family will enjoy. This touching animated fulldome show combines entertainment and education with an important message about the impact of ocean pollution.

Screening dates: April 3, 115 to April 2, 116

Running time: Approximately 45 minutes

From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System, on a breathtaking tour that reveals just how precious our home planet really is.

Be warned though, the Observatorium isn’t just for show. It will transport the audience right to the heart of some of the deadliest locations in our slice of the heavens. It’s going to take some fancy flying to get everyone back in one piece!

Screening Dates: January 1 to December 31, 115

Running Time: Approximately 26 minutes

Bilingual Language: English (headphone)

The red panda is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is also included in Appendix I of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. In the 2024 Taipei-Shanghai City Forum, the two cities signed a memorandum of understanding on exchange and cooperation, including animal exchange, professional development, and personnel exchange between zoos. Through these efforts, both sides hope to contribute to the ex-situ conservation of endangered species.

Taipei Zoo is delighted to welcome these two young red pandas from Shanghai Zoo, a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female. By introducing new genetic lines, the zoo hopes to maintain a healthy population size, age structure, and genetic diversity, while continuing to support the important mission of ex-situ conservation for the species.

(Submission period: now through June 15. Please visit the event page for the submission link. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBbhdWbqPSfgkI20cSFcADAayx0OFlYsldjuzIC7IDDO0BOw/viewform?pli=1)

To provide a cooler and more comfortable recreational experience during the increasingly hot summer season, Taipei Zoo launched the Carnival – ICE Zoo series in 2006 and, for the first time, extended its opening hours until 9:00 p.m. on summer Saturdays. Beginning in 2008, the annual summer night-opening program adopted the theme Summer Night Safari, introducing a different focus each year. Over the years, themes have covered animal behavior and ecology, wildlife conservation, environmental action, and energy issues. Activities have included Keeper's Talk, Wildlife Conservation Market, Wildlife Conservation Theater, stage competitions, outdoor night movies, and animal-themed exercise sessions. For more than a decade, Summer Night Safari has become a highly anticipated summer tradition, attracting visitors eager to spend their Saturday evenings at the zoo. Following the success of Night FUN Adventure at the Zoo in 2024 and Cool Summer with the Animals in 2025, Taipei Zoo continues to offer exclusive nighttime experiences that allow visitors to enjoy an experience that is distinctly different from a daytime visit. To celebrate the 20th anniversary in 2026, the zoo will extend its opening hours until 9:00 p.m. on nine Saturdays throughout July and August. Stay tuned for this year's exciting lineup of activities.

Taipei Zoo would also like to remind visitors that its annual temporary closure period is approaching. In 2026, the zoo will be closed to the public from June 22 through July 1, for a total of 10 days. Visitors are reminded to avoid planning trips during this period. During the closure, major maintenance and renovation projects will be carried out throughout the zoo. By concentrating construction work into a short period, the zoo can minimize disturbance to the animals while improving visitor facilities and exhibit environments. We look forward to welcoming everyone back during the summer vacation with an even better zoo experience.

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) in Taiwan’s Red List and is legally protected as a Category I Endangered Species under the Wildlife Conservation Act. Currently, its wild population in Taiwan is limited to Kinmen. However, the species faces multiple threats, including human disturbance, attacks by free-roaming animals, road mortality, and habitat fragmentation, all of which have led to a steady decline in available habitat. In recent years, organizations such as the Kinmen National Park Administration, Kinmen County Government, Kinmen Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Association, and Taipei Zoo have accumulated extensive experience in rescue, medical care, and captive husbandry. At the same time, research teams and local NGOs have deployed trail cameras across various habitats, capturing valuable footage of otter activity. In addition to its ex-situ conservation efforts, Taipei Zoo began applying molecular techniques a decade ago, under the guidance of Professor Li Ling-ling of National Taiwan University, to monitor individual otter distribution. Since 2016, the zoo’s research team has conducted annual field surveys in Kinmen, collecting fresh scat samples and bringing them back to the zoo’s molecular laboratory for analysis. These efforts have helped establish baseline data on population dynamics and gradually piece together the ecological profile of Kinmen’s Eurasian otters.

Tracking Eurasian otters—nocturnal, highly secretive, and adept swimmers—is extremely challenging. Fortunately, their habit of marking territory with feces allows researchers to collect samples with minimal disturbance. Fresh otter scat is typically dark, emits a strong fishy odor, and often contains visible fish scales and bones. However, visual inspection alone provides only limited dietary information. With long-term support from Kinmen National Park since 2020, researchers have been able to continuously monitor population trends and survival needs. Through DNA sequencing of scat samples, scientists can build individual identity databases and identify prey species from genetic traces. This enables the construction of a comprehensive dietary profile, offering insights into how the population survives and adapts in the wild.

Although a variety of prey—including fish, shrimp, crabs, waterbirds, water snakes, and frogs—have been recorded in the otters’ diet, fish make up the majority of their daily intake. Common freshwater species include tilapia, crucian carp, common carp, snakehead, and eels, while estuarine and marine species such as mullet and swamp eels  catfish are also consumed. Notably, tilapia species appear with particularly high frequency, occurring in over 70% of scat samples collected in Kinmen. Originally native to Africa, these invasive fish have proliferated widely in Taiwan’s freshwater ecosystems, posing significant threats to native species. In Kinmen, however, they have become a primary food source for Eurasian otters. This heavy reliance highlights a unique ecological adaptation, differing from otter populations in temperate regions that depend on more seasonal dietary shifts. While tilapia negatively impact freshwater ecosystems, they have inadvertently provided a stable food supply for this top predator.

Through long-term scat analysis, researchers are able to systematically study population structure, dynamics, and feeding ecology, gaining a deeper understanding of the otters’ role within the ecosystem. Although fieldwork and laboratory analysis are both meticulous and demanding, they reveal the significant value of scat as a research resource, providing essential data for developing effective conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term survival of the species. When visiting or passing through wildlife habitats, the public is encouraged to take their trash with them, minimize disturbance, reduce driving speeds, and stay alert. By working together with conservation authorities, local governments, and NGOs, we can help safeguard the future of Eurasian otters in Kinmen.

The conference series began on May 23 with the “International Forum on Small Felid Conservation,” centered on “Wild Felid Conservation Actions.” Organized by Taipei Zoo and the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, and co-organized by the Biodiversity Research Institute, the Hsinchu Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, and the Miaoli County Government, the forum brought together experts from around the world. Discussions covered captive breeding, species reintroduction, and habitat management, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration across regions. Taiwanese researchers also shared long-term conservation efforts and local practices, highlighting progress in wild felid conservation.

On the morning of May 26, Commissioner Tang Chih-min of the Taipei City Department of Education delivered welcome remarks on behalf of the city government. This marks not only the first time in its 12-year history that the meeting has been held outside Europe and North America, but also reflects the strong international recognition of Taiwan’s contributions to wildlife conservation and population management. The meeting brings together 114 participants from 25 countries, including representatives from major zoo and aquarium associations worldwide, institutional leaders, and conservation experts, engaging in in-depth dialogue with Taiwan’s conservation teams.

For the first time, the 2026 Joint TAG Meeting is open to all TAG members, IUCN Specialist Groups, field partners, population biologists, and government representatives. The format has shifted from a top-down decision-making model to a more inclusive global conservation platform, enabling frontline practitioners to contribute directly. The program includes keynote sessions, workshops, and breakout discussions aimed at addressing challenges in cross-regional population management.

As many critically endangered species are native to regions outside Europe and North America, and with the growing capacity of institutions across Asia and Australasia, Joint TAG is moving toward a more globally integrated framework. Following the adoption of a decentralized approach at the 2024 Edinburgh meeting, the 2026 Taipei meeting represents a key milestone in this transition toward broader international collaboration.

Key topics include advancing the One Plan Approach, aligning regional species management with global frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), WAZA 2030 goals, and the Reverse the Red initiative. Discussions also address practical challenges such as resource limitations and strengthening cross-regional support networks.

As the host, Taipei Zoo showcases Taiwan’s biodiversity and conservation expertise, while welcoming participants from around the world. Beyond academic exchange, the meeting also provides an opportunity for international delegates to experience Taipei’s culture. This event further strengthens Taipei’s role in global conservation efforts and contributes to advancing international cooperation in biodiversity conservation.

On the afternoon of May 25, at around 5:30 PM, staff members driving along the perimeter road spotted “Hei Niu” , calmly crossing the road. She continued down toward the floral clock boardwalk in front of the Rainforest Area, nearing visitor zones. Staff immediately followed on foot and called for support to coordinate a safe capture. By early evening, she was successfully secured. Upon inspection, “Hei Niu” was found to be in stable condition and still highly active; she resisted strongly during the process and even scratched a staff member’s hand, indicating that her physical condition remains good.

“Hei Niu” has since been transferred to the veterinary hospital for observation and further health evaluations. Initial blood tests and physical examination indicate no obvious injuries, with only mild dehydration observed. She will be allowed to rest and recover before undergoing additional examinations and follow-up care. Taipei Zoo sincerely thanks the public and all supporting parties for their concern and assistance during this time.

Wildlife sightings in Taipei are are commonly observed. From familiar species such as the Malayan night heron, Oriental turtle dove, cattle egret, white-breasted waterhen, and Pallas’s squirrel, to less commonly noticed animals like masked palm civets, crab-eating mongooses, Formosan pangolins, and red giant flying squirrels, these encounters are often captured by the public and shared on social media. While wildlife activity is inevitably affected by expanding human development, Taipei’s basin landscape—surrounded by hills and low-elevation forests—supports a rich natural ecosystem. Urban terrestrial and aquatic habitats are interconnected, forming “blue-green corridors” that wildlife can utilize. Taipei has long been home to diverse species, and its biodiversity deserves greater public attention.

To help address global biodiversity loss, this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22 adopts the theme “Acting locally for global impact.” The theme encourages everyone to take part in and support local actions in their own way, highlighting how efforts at every level can contribute to global outcomes. It also aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022), which outlines 23 action targets. For example, Target 2 focuses on reducing threats to biodiversity through ecosystem restoration and connectivity, while Target 12 emphasizes maintaining and connecting urban blue-green spaces for sustainable use. Both highlight the importance of protecting biodiversity in and around cities, as well as the role individuals can play.

On International Day for Biological Diversity, Taipei Zoo invites everyone to begin by getting to know the wildlife around us, appreciating the beauty and reality of biodiversity, and taking action in daily life. For example, do not feed wild or free-roaming animals. Feeding can alter natural behaviors, cause animals to lose their foraging instincts, and lead to nutritional imbalance, ultimately affecting food webs and population stability. It can also result in animal aggregation, increasing human-wildlife conflict and the risk of disease transmission. Maintaining an appropriate distance from wildlife is key to coexistence and biodiversity conservation.

Taipei Zoo will also participate in the “2026 Taipei Education Expo” from June 6 to June 8 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. At the Lifelong Learning Exhibition Area, the zoo will host an insect exploration booth, inviting visitors to discover the natural world from an insect’s perspective. Through diverse, cross-generational educational activities, the zoo aims to share the wonders of biodiversity and promote lifelong learning.

Both Taipei Zoo and Singapore Zoo participate in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme (EEP), working together to conserve the Endangered (EN) Malayan tapir. Through inter-zoo genetic exchange, they help maintain a healthy and sustainable ex-situ population. In 2021, Singapore Zoo transferred the female tapir “Putri” to Taipei, where she paired with resident male “Mo Shu” and gave birth to “Treeda.” In 2026, Taipei Zoo sent the male tapir “Rimuru,” born in Taipei, to Singapore. In return, Singapore selected the young male “Bintang” to come to Taipei, continuing this important genetic exchange to support the global conservation population.

As part of global integrated conservation efforts, such animal transfers remain essential for maintaining the health and genetic diversity of endangered species. “Bintang” was transported by STARLUX Airlines and arrived safely at the zoo’s quarantine facility, where he appeared cautious but stable. He will now rest and recover from the journey. After completing a one-month quarantine period, he will gradually acclimate to his new home and caretakers before being introduced to the public.

Upon confirming her disappearance, keepers immediately initiated a search. Over the past two days (May 19–20), approximately 65 personnel were deployed to conduct a thorough search of the surrounding areas, including the perimeter trail, main pathways, the Tropical Rainforest Area and nearby zones, the route toward the Insectarium, the hillside near the Giant Panda House, and the Desert/Australia Animal Area. Six camera traps and four live traps have been set up around the Rainforest Area to monitor for signs of activity. Keepers have also intensified patrols and surveillance reviews in an effort to locate her as soon as possible.

“Hei Niu” is a female southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla), approximately 11 years and 10 months old. She measures about 50–60 cm in length, with cream-colored fur and a partially hairless, prehensile tail. As the typical lifespan of this species in the wild is around 9 to 10 years, she is considered elderly. She is generally timid and sensitive, and poses no threat to humans, so visitors need not be alarmed if they encounter her. As a nocturnal species, she is likely to remain hidden in dense vegetation or sheltered spaces during the day, making the search more challenging.

Coincidentally, a troop of black-capped squirrel monkeys in the same Rainforest Area was also observed venturing out of their enclosure amid the dense seasonal canopy growth on May 20, before returning on their own. The zoo remains hopeful that “Hei Niu” will likewise find her way back soon.

Taipei Zoo kindly asks that if visitors spot “Hei Niu” along park trails or in nearby hillside areas, they maintain a safe distance and do not approach, chase, or attempt to capture her. Such actions may startle her and cause her to retreat to higher or more concealed locations. Please notify nearby staff immediately or call the zoo hotline at (02) 2938-2300 ext. 630 (Visitor Center), so trained personnel can respond appropriately.

Through cross-sector collaboration with the Taipei City Mortuary Services Office, religious organizations including Muzha Zhongshun Temple and Matsuyama Cihui Temple, and private enterprise Taiwan Jenben, the zoo arranged for the eco-friendly reinterment of 454 individuals. These pioneers, originally relocated to Fude Cemetery prior to the zoo’s opening 45 years ago, have now been laid to rest through green burial, returning their remains to the earth.

This history dates back to 1979, when the zoo relocation project required the transfer of 454 individuals from Muzha’s Eighth Cemetery to Fude Cemetery as part of urban development. Decades ago, these early settlers painstakingly cleared and cultivated the mountainous land; today, it has become a vital site for wildlife conservation and environmental education. As the 40th anniversary of the zoo’s relocation approaches, and with the original burial structures at Fude Cemetery deteriorating over time, the zoo initiated this reinterment project with the support of the city government and the Department of Education.

The core concept of this reinterment effort is the continuity of life. With professional assistance from the Mortuary Services Office, the remains have been placed using green burial methods. This not only resolves issues related to aging burial sites, but also symbolizes a return to nature—allowing the pioneers to become one with the land and continue, in another form, to safeguard the natural environment. It reflects a respect for both human dignity and environmental sustainability.

The ceremony also highlights Taipei City’s public–private collaboration. Muzha Zhongshun Temple and Matsuyama Cihui Temple provided ritual services free of charge, while other organizations—including Wanhua Longxing Temple, Yuantai Daoist Temple, Taipei Hulu Temple, the Taoist Association, and Jingdu Construction—joined in offering religious support and blessings. Taiwan Jenben ensured that the reinterment process was conducted with professionalism and dignity, while the Mortuary Services Office facilitated environmentally sustainable burial practices.

The development of this land is rooted in the contributions of those who came before. With the support of government agencies and religious groups, these long-forgotten individuals have now been respectfully laid to rest in a natural setting. The three-day memorial ceremony, beginning May 17, combines Buddhist and Taoist rituals to pray for peace for all souls. In the future, this land—once shaped by the efforts of early settlers—will continue to serve as a foundation for ecological conservation and life education, where remembrance of the past and care for nature coexist in harmony.

To enhance animal welfare while ensuring the safety of both animals and keepers, modern zoos use positive reinforcement training to guide animals in performing specific behaviors. This approach relies on “reinforcers”—such as verbal praise, food rewards, or tactile contact—to increase the likelihood that an animal will perform a desired behavior at the right moment. When an animal completes a behavior correctly, it receives a reward; if it does not respond, the behavior is simply ignored without punishment, allowing the animal to learn that no reward will follow. With repeated practice, along with the use of hand signals or a target stick, animals and keepers can work together to carry out health checks and medical procedures in a low-stress manner.

Through ongoing training, the elephants at Taipei Zoo are now able to cooperate with keepers on a wide range of behaviors. These include stepping onto scales, lifting their feet for nail trimming or foot care, receiving injections, having their blood pressure measured, providing blood samples from the ear, positioning their trunks, and presenting either side of their bodies. These behaviors enable keepers to provide more precise and thorough daily care.

A glass-front viewing area is available at the African Elephant paddock (near the Spotted Hyena area), allowing visitors to observe the training interactions between keepers and elephants up close. During the Friday talks in May and June, keepers will also introduce the differences between African and Asian elephants, explain training methods, and share how enrichment structures are designed. Visitors are warmly invited to join and experience the fun of “elephant school".

The Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) is the smallest otter species, distributed across wetlands, rivers, and lakes from South to Southeast Asia. It is a highly social animal, often living in family groups of more than a dozen individuals. These otters communicate through a variety of vocalizations and also by rubbing scent glands near the base of the tail against surfaces to convey information. The species is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List, facing threats such as illegal capture for the pet trade. For example, “Mi Xiang,” the mother of “Xiang Cheng,” was rescued and brought to Taipei Zoo through law enforcement action. In addition, otters are important ecological indicator species, as their survival depends on clean water, unpolluted habitats, and sufficient food resources—making their population status a reflection of overall ecosystem health.

At Auckland Zoo, the Asian small-clawed otters are housed in the Southeast Asia-themed exhibit area. This transfer, coordinated by EAZA, aims to enhance genetic diversity through population exchange and maintain a healthy ex-situ population. After a journey of more than ten hours across hemispheres, “Xiang Cheng” safely arrived at Auckland Zoo around midday on May 13. We wish her all the best in adapting to her new environment and hope she will soon become part of her new otter family.

“Bei Er” moved into the outdoor habitat next to the Penguin House in October 2025. From the very beginning, she adapted well to her new environment and has displayed a wide range of natural behaviors. Visitors often have the chance to see her digging in the soil. When the weather is pleasant—or when she feels like it—she can also be seen playing by the large pool or manipulating enrichment devices to retrieve food. Taipei Zoo strives to design habitats that incorporate elements and functions similar to those in the wild, providing diverse stimuli that encourage black bears to actively explore. Through habitat design, environmental enrichment, and positive reinforcement medical training, the zoo continues to improve the welfare of each individual bear.

To give “Bei Er” more opportunities to climb and use vertical space, keepers recently added a wooden climbing structure to the outdoor habitat. On the very first day it was introduced, she approached this “new piece of furniture” without hesitation, freely exploring and climbing on it while calmly enjoying the food placed there by her keepers. She has also been observed rubbing her back against different parts of the structure, sitting contentedly on the platform to rest, and agilely climbing up to the “roof,” where she sprawls out in a relaxed, star-shaped position for a nap.

Her playful and flexible use of the new structure has been both entertaining and endearing to watch. Visitors are warmly invited to come and “inspect” the new climbing structure alongside “Bei Er.” Try spending a little more time at her outdoor habitat—you might be lucky enough to see her using the structure in different ways or interacting with other enrichment items.

Both Taipei Zoo and Singapore Zoo participate in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme (EEP), working collaboratively on Malayan tapir conservation. Through coordinated animal transfers, zoos create opportunities for individuals from different genetic lineages to pair, helping maintain genetic diversity and population health. In 2021, Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Group arranged for the female tapir “Putri” to come to Taipei Zoo, where she successfully paired with the resident male “Mo-Shu,” resulting in the birth of “Treeda.” This collaboration helped expand the genetic diversity of the ex situ population across both institutions.

Born in 2024 to his mother “Mo-Li,” Rimuru’s transfer is part of ongoing international cooperation to find a suitable mate while carefully managing existing bloodlines within Taipei Zoo. As global conservation efforts become increasingly integrated, such movements remain essential for maintaining healthy and genetically diverse populations of endangered species. Departing in the spring season with the well wishes of his keepers, Rimuru was transported by STARLUX Airlines to Singapore. It is hoped that he will gradually adapt to his new environment and have the opportunity to interact and pair with unrelated individuals, contributing to the development of a strong and sustainable population.

Recently, a Palawan Peacock-pheasant chick was born in the Pheasantry, and a Red-crowned Crane chick near the Amphibian and Reptile House is growing rapidly. The Red-crowned Crane chick is growing rapidly. Although it often stays close to its mother or hides in the grass, its neck and legs are becoming longer and stronger each day. If you’d like to catch a glimpse of this small and adorable chick, now is the perfect time!

The Waterfowl Area is a walk-through immersive exhibit, featuring abundant vegetation and water features for the birds. Each spring, visitors may notice young chicks quietly appearing among the grass. White-breasted Waterhen chicks, being precocial, hatch covered in down with their eyes open. Soon after, they are able to follow their parents around and even swim. They are often seen near the water, resembling tiny “Soot Sprite” that appear and disappear among the grass. Common Moorhen chicks also look like “Soot Sprite”, but can be distinguished by their reddish beaks and relatively bare foreheads, making them easy to tell apart from White-breasted Waterhen chicks. At times, you may even observe chicks from different broods raised by the same parents, creating charming scenes where adults, brownish subadults, and fluffy chicks appear together.

Common Moorhens and White-breasted Waterhens are commonly found in urban wetlands and green spaces. Whether in the zoo or in the wild, it is not unusual to encounter them caring for their young. The Zoo reminds visitors that it is completely natural for precocial chicks to be active outdoors, and their parents are likely nearby. If you come across a healthy chick that can move normally, please do not attempt to “rescue” or take it home. Allowing it to remain under its parents’ care is the best way to ensure it grows up safely.

The Yuchi Music Frog (Nidirana shyhhuangi) was originally considered part of the Ryukyu Harp Frog complex. In February 2025, a research team from National Taiwan Normal University, the Biodiversity Research Institute, and the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute formally recognized Taiwan’s previously identified “harp frog” as a distinct species. Based on genetic, acoustic, and morphological evidence, the species was named after Professor Chen Shih-huang, who first discovered it.

Currently, the Yuchi Music Frog is found only in two wetlands in Nantou County—Lianhuachi and Sun Moon Lake. Its total habitat covers only about 0.015 square kilometers, with an estimated adult population of just 300 to 700 individuals. Due to its extremely restricted distribution and small population size, the species is listed as Nationally Critically Endangered (NCR) in the 2024 Red List of Amphibians of Taiwan. It is highly vulnerable to sudden environmental disturbances such as agricultural pollution, waste dumping, forest development, human interference, and extreme weather events. In 2022, Taipei Zoo received tadpoles rescued by the Biodiversity Research Institute during seasonal water level declines, when they were unable to return to aquatic habitats. The zoo began developing captive husbandry techniques and successfully initiated breeding in May 2023, aiming to establish a stable ex-situ satellite population.

The Yuchi Music Frog exhibits a unique nest-building behavior—males excavate pot-shaped mud nests and call from within to attract females for egg-laying. To support this behavior, the care team prepared moist, soft, adhesive soil, along with layered vegetation to create a structurally diverse environment. An automated misting system helps maintain humidity, while overturned coconut shells are used as shelters to provide secure spaces for nest construction. Keepers have observed that when sufficient cover is available, males do not expend additional effort to narrow the nest entrance, resulting in nests with wider openings.

While hatching success rates for eggs and tadpoles under ex-situ care remain a challenge, the specialized husbandry techniques and breeding setup have led to high levels of mating and spawning activity. To date, the successful rearing of over a thousand froglets stands as a testament to the long-term dedication of the care team.

April 28 marks the global Save The Frogs Day, which aims to raise awareness of the extinction crisis facing amphibians worldwide. As it approaches, wild Yuchi Music Frogs are also entering their breeding season. Visitors to the Amphibian and Reptile House may even hear their distinctive “teng-teng-teng” call, resembling the rhythmic plucking of harp strings. We warmly invite everyone to visit the zoo to learn more about Taiwan’s endangered amphibians.

To improve the outdoor habitat for African elephants, Taipei Zoo began phasing out concrete substrates in late 2025 and replacing them with deep sand. Adjustments were also made to pool depth, and earthen mounds were constructed to create varied terrain, reducing strain on the elephants’ feet while encouraging natural behaviors such as digging, dust-bathing, and water-based activity supported by buoyancy. As the largest terrestrial mammals, elephants’ overall health is closely linked to the condition of their feet. Based on international husbandry experience, prolonged standing on hard surfaces can lead to foot diseases. Therefore, providing a variety of soft substrates—such as sand, woodchips, or straw—is essential. These materials not only reduce physical impact but also serve as a medium for natural behaviors including digging, resting, and exploratory activity. Aquatic areas also function as a form of physical therapy. Pools and water features allow elephants to thermoregulate and bathe during hot weather. Sufficiently deep pools provide buoyancy, enabling non-weight-bearing exercise and allowing elephants to lie laterally or fully submerge. Such conditions are critical for limb extension and body temperature regulation.

When “You Kai” and “You Shin” first explored the African Area habitat, they paused briefly before stepping outdoors and quickly became aware of “Chien Hui” nearby. “You Kai” repeatedly raised the trunk toward “Chien Hui,” engaging in olfactory investigation while producing low-frequency rumbles. The more tentative “You Shin” initially hesitated near the indoor entrance before responding to “You Kai’s” signals and joining in evaluating the unfamiliar individual. Throughout the interaction, the elephants frequently struck the ground with their trunks to express arousal states and produced high-pitched vocalizations for communication. They also maintained close physical proximity, using trunk contact to provide reassurance. Despite the cautious assessment, the elephants engaged in playful behaviors, including tossing sand onto their backs and spraying water over their bodies. “You Kai” was also observed throwing sand toward “Chien Hui,” likely as a form of exploratory boundary-testing.

The African elephant “Chien Hui” was initially highly vigilant toward the presence of the newcomers. Although already aware of “You Kai” and “You Shin,” the first outdoor encounter was characterized by heightened caution. She frequently extended her trunk to investigate their scent and paced back and forth while closely observing the Asian elephants. During this process, she emitted deep, resonant rumbles, which appeared to serve as both a greeting and a warning signal, indicating awareness while maintaining spatial boundaries with the new neighbors.

The renovation of these legacy facilities aims to align with modern animal welfare standards. By arranging an adjacent housing environment for Asian and African elephants, zookeepers provide enriched conditions for the Asian elephants while also introducing social stimulation for both species. Visitors are welcome to the African Animal Area to observe the newly designed outdoor sand substrate yard and witness the rare and dynamic interactions between these neighboring Asian and African elephants.

In mid-March, zookeepers noticed that "KIKA" showed signs of reduced appetite for several consecutive days, even refusing favorite foods such as mealworms and crickets, which was unusual. A veterinary check was scheduled for March 18; however, keepers unexpectedly discovered that "KIKA" had laid an egg in the grass. Since the birth of "Li He" in 2022, "KIKA" and "BIG" had continued to lay eggs each year, but unfortunately, all were unfertilized. This year, after 10 days of incubation, keepers decided to replace the egg for examination to confirm whether it was viable. After candling confirmed it was a fertilized egg, it was transferred to the Avian Artificial Incubation Room. Two days before the expected hatching date (April 17), the egg was returned to "KIKA" to continue incubation. As expected, the chick hatched successfully on April 20.

"KIKA" (20 years old) and "BIG" (23 years old) are raising chicks for the second time. Despite a four-year gap since their last breeding experience with "Li He," they remain attentive and responsible parents. "BIG" becomes highly alert when people approach, vocalizing or using his long beak to drive them away while closely monitoring the surroundings. Zookeepers are advised to wear protective gear during feeding and routine work to avoid being attacked defensively. Red-crowned cranes are precocial birds; chicks are able to move around and follow their mother to forage shortly after hatching. "KIKA" takes on most of the feeding responsibilities, while "BIG" focuses on protection. The zoo reminds visitors to remain quiet during the chick-rearing period. Do not tap on the enclosure to attract attention, as this may cause "KIKA" to hide the chick and trigger defensive behavior from "BIG," increasing the risk of injury to the chick.

Would you like to catch a glimpse of the fluffy yellow chick? The zoo recommends observing from the corridor of the Amphibian and Reptile House. Bringing binoculars is suggested for a better view. Please remember to remain quiet during your visit.

Earlier this February, the black swan pair in the Rainforest Area laid another clutch of eggs. As in previous years, these eggs were at risk of being disturbed by small wild carnivores within the zoo grounds. To prevent history from repeating itself, zookeepers once again implemented the egg swap strategy—replacing the real eggs with convincing replicas and moving the originals to the incubation facility—successfully hatching one cygnet this year.

During the incubation process, the chick showed remarkable determination, pecking persistently at the shell with all its strength. Keepers could even hear its loud calls before it fully emerged. Exhausted from the effort of hatching, the tiny but spirited chick fell asleep immediately after breaking free—such an endearing moment that was both touching and amusing. Once the chick was confirmed to be in stable condition, the most challenging step followed: how to return it to its mother without raising suspicion. Zookeepers used a clever distraction to guide the mother swan away, then placed the chick—along with its broken eggshell—back into the nest to simulate a natural hatching process. Fortunately, the parent swans readily accepted the fluffy newcomer and quickly displayed strong parental instincts, allowing the keepers to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Visitors to the Rainforest Area can now often witness a heartwarming scene: the mother swan gliding across the water with her chick. To protect this hard-won new life, the mother is highly vigilant. Any approaching fish or pigeons hoping for food are promptly driven away. If visitors come too close or stare too intently, both parents will respond with sharp gazes, vocal warnings, and wing displays to deter them.

The chick remains close to its mother at all times. After swimming, while its downy feathers are still wet, the mother will call it back to the nest and tuck it under her wings to keep it warm—a deeply touching sight. Growing rapidly day by day, the cygnet is thriving under its parents’ care, as this black swan family unfolds a beautiful story of parental devotion. Taipei Zoo warmly invites visitors to the Rainforest Area to quietly observe this family. Please avoid loud noises and keep a respectful distance to prevent alarming the parents, so you can witness the chick’s most natural—and most adorable—moments.

Lepidopteran insects go through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Through a developmental process known as complete metamorphosis, they take on very different forms and roles at each stage of life. Caterpillars, the larval stage of butterflies and moths, need to eat large amounts of food in order to grow quickly before pupating after several molts. Because they move slowly and have soft bodies, they are especially vulnerable to predators. As a result, they have evolved a variety of defense strategies, including toxicity, warning coloration, stinging hairs, mimicry, and startle displays.

For example, the black-and-white stripes and red spots on the body of the Paper Kite caterpillar serve as warning coloration, signaling predators to stay away. The toxins it accumulates from feeding on its host plant are retained through metamorphosis and continue to provide protection after it becomes an adult butterfly. Meanwhile, larvae of certain saturniid moths can produce squeaking sounds from the front part of their bodies when disturbed, startling potential predators and helping them escape danger.

Swallowtail caterpillars also possess impressive survival skills. When threatened, the Common Mormon caterpillar extends a brightly colored osmeterium from behind its head, using both its appearance and odor to deter predators. During its early instars, its brown-and-white coloration resembles bird droppings, helping it avoid detection. In its final instar, the caterpillar turns green and blends in with the surrounding leaves, while the false eye spots on its thorax help intimidate enemies.

Another example is the invasive Mango Baron. Its caterpillars are covered with fleshy projections and fine hairs, with a yellow stripe running along the back. They usually rest along leaf veins, camouflaging themselves as part of the leaf and making themselves difficult to detect even at close range.

Visitors can explore the special exhibition, “What’s with That Face? The Head Matters of Insects,” which explore insects from the head up and invites visitors to compare their own senses with the remarkable sensory abilities of insects.

Nearly 17 years old, Lola arrived at the Taipei Zoo from the Moscow Zoo in 2011 and became one of the longest-resident and oldest animals in the Temperate Zone Animal Area. She had a long-standing history of heart disease and had been receiving ongoing medication. On the evening of April 1, keepers observed that Lola was having difficulty rising to her feet and was showing weakness in her hind limbs while in her exhibit. An initial veterinary examination found no signs of swelling or external injury. She was given medication and moved indoors to rest.

An examination performed under anesthesia on the morning of April 2 confirmed that her hindlimb weakness was caused by a blood clot obstructing circulation. After carefully evaluating Lola's age and overall physical condition, and considering the pain caused by the thrombosis as well as the risk of tissue ischemia and necrosis, the veterinary team determined that the prognosis was poor. Lola passed away later that afternoon. The Taipei Zoo is deeply saddened by her passing and sincerely thanks Lola for the 15 years she spent with the zoo and its visitors.

Since signing a friendship agreement in 2013, Taipei Zoo and Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, have worked together on transnational wildlife conservation and the exchange of animal care expertise. For example, the Chinese alligators and poison dart frogs currently housed in Taipei Zoo's Amphibian and Reptile House were introduced from Maruyama Zoo. This exchange of Malayan bears was also arranged as part of the coordinated management of the East Asian regional ex situ conservation population for the species, with Taipei Zoo contributing two bears to the regional program in Japan..

Born and raised at the Taipei Zoo, Xiao-Xiong-Mei and Xiong-Ba are sister and brother. To provide high-quality care for the bears, keepers have developed a wide variety of environmental enrichment items to create a stimulating and diverse living environment. Before their departure for Maruyama Zoo, the Malayan bear care teams at both zoos worked closely together on every aspect of their husbandry, including desensitization training, behavioral observation, and health monitoring, to ensure the bears were well prepared for their move to Japan. Before dawn on March 30, Xiao-Xiong-Mei and Xiong-Ba each calmly entered their transport crates and arrived safely at Maruyama Zoo later that afternoon. We wish them all the best as they settle into their new home with the care and support of their new keepers.

The Taipei grass frog is a small species measuring only about 3 to 5 centimeters in length. It has a yellowish-green to bright green back, with dark lateral stripes and white dorsolateral folds along its sides. Historically, the species inhabited lowland wetlands across western Taiwan, where tall grasses and abundant aquatic vegetation provided suitable habitat. During the spring and summer breeding season, Taipei grass frogs prefer deeper water with vegetation covering the surface to provide shade. From autumn through winter, they move from aquatic habitats into the surrounding terrestrial environment, relying on grassland ecosystems for food and shelter. Protecting the terrestrial buffer zones around wetlands is therefore an essential part of Taipei grass frog habitat conservation. However, changes in land use caused by development, the abandonment and disappearance of irrigation ponds, and pollution from pesticides and chemical fertilizers have severely degraded the species' habitat. Wetland pollution, habitat loss, and fragmentation have caused wild populations in Taiwan to decline dramatically.

The Taipei Zoo began field surveys of the Taipei grass frog in 1995. After discovering a rapid decline in the wild population, the zoo began actively promoting both in-situ conservation and ex-situ conservation efforts. In 2014, it launched an ex-situ breeding program and carried out detailed research on every stage of the species' life cycle—from egg laying and tadpole development to froglets emerging onto land and adult reproduction. Years of husbandry experience have laid the foundation for restoring wild populations. The zoo also participated in the environmentally friendly transformation and monitoring of the "A-Shi-Bo Lotus Field" in Sanzhi and conducted long-term habitat and population monitoring to provide early warning and scientific information for conservation planning. In recent years, the zoo has worked with the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, the New Taipei City Government, NGO partners, and wildlife-friendly farming communities to restore habitats and reintroduce frogs through an integrated conservation program combining in-situ and ex-situ efforts. Together, these efforts aim to help these precious "lowland marsh residents" gradually return to the wild and reverse the species' decline.

Maintaining healthy wetlands and connecting habitats through green corridors helps sustain wetland ecosystems while preserving suitable habitat for the Taipei grass frog. Members of the public can also help protect the species by supporting environmentally friendly agricultural products produced without pesticides or herbicides, contributing to Taipei grass frog conservation through their everyday choices.

While many stick insects resemble slender twigs or leaves, not all of them are thin. The spiny leaf insect on display in the Insectarium has a stout body covered in fine spines, with broad, flattened legs that resemble small leaves. When resting among shrubs, it raises its abdomen and curls its body into a U-shape, swaying gently to mimic a curled, withered leaf moving in the breeze—such an impressive display of camouflage.

Leaf insects (Phyllium) live up to their name, with forewings and abdomens marked by vein-like patterns and irregular brown patches that resemble withered or insect-damaged leaves. When clinging to foliage, they are remarkably difficult to spot. In addition to camouflage, some species rely on physical defenses. For example, the “Touch-Me-Not” stick insect has prominent thorn-like spines on its back for protection. The Malayan jungle nymph (Heteropteryx dilatata), a large species, adopts a defensive posture when threatened—raising its abdomen and swinging its spiny hind legs to strike back, as if warning predators to stay away. Beyond camouflage and spiny armor, stick insects have also evolved other survival strategies, including producing sounds, releasing odors, and displaying warning coloration.

Zookeepers are here to remind the public to be responsible pet owners. Never release pet insects into the wild, as they may disrupt local ecosystems, threaten native species, spread disease, or cause agricultural damage—potentially becoming invasive species. Some stick insects, due to stable wild populations, are bred in captivity and kept as pets. If you find yourself with too many stick insects, it is recommended to contact the original seller or relevant organizations for assistance, arrange adoption with experienced keepers, or properly dispose of the eggs by drying them under safe conditions. Protecting native insects and the natural environment is a shared responsibility.

The red panda is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is also included in Appendix I of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Due to factors such as poaching and habitat loss, wild populations continue to decline.Taipei Zoo currently cares for nine red pandas (six males and three females). With the exception of Mirai, a male who arrived from Tama Zoological Park in Japan in December 2023, most of the breeding-age individuals at the zoo belong to the same family lineages—“Huan Huan,” “Mei Ko,” and “YaYa”—and are gradually aging. To ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the population, it is essential to introduce new bloodlines from other institutions. ChengCheng’s arrival is therefore crucial for maintaining a balanced population size, age structure, and genetic diversity.

Red pandas are managed under the Global Species Management Plan (GSMP) of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Hence breeding recommendations are made based on the international studbook, and suitable pairs are selected using pedigree analysis and pairing coefficients to maximize genetic diversity and support a sustainable population.Following recommendations from the International Red Panda Species Coordinator and with coordination by JAZA, ChengCheng was transferred to Taiwan on March 16, 2026. She will be introduced to the public only after completing quarantine and successfully acclimating to the  red pandas at the zoo.