Department of Information Technology

The Taipei Zoo’s Keepers’ Talk for March and April has been officially kicked off! The theme this time is Animals’ Appearances, starring hippos, Asian elephants, koalas, pangolins, and crab-eating mongooses, with each session lasting approximately 15 minutes. In particular, as long as the weather conditions are decent and rain-free, the koalas will come out to meet the visitors in person at 11:00 every Friday during March and April (3/20, 3/27, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24). Everyone is invited to participate in the Keepers’ Talk!

As the saying goes “born to serve a purpose,” after going through a long period of evolution, wild animals have all developed their unique survival skills to adapt to different climates and environments. For instance, hippos have adapted to living in the water by having their eyes, ears, and nose on top of their heads just like the crocodile. Their nostrils and ears close automatically when they submerge in water. Although in Chinese pronunciation, Koala is referred to as “tailless bear” or “koala bear,” they are a marsupial with curved claws on their paws that help them climb trees. The 1st and 2nd digits are located opposite to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th digits, and it is speculated that the pincer-shaped front paws have developed to grip smaller twigs. The 2nd and 3rd digits on the hind paws are fused to form a double-clawed digit which is used for grooming purposes.

The mild spring weather in north Taiwan is ideal for the koalas to bask in the sun and enjoy the natural, gentle breeze. To let the visitors observe the koalas’ physical features more closely, the zookeepers will take the opportunity of the Keepers’ Talk to bring the koalas to the outdoor perch at 11:00 every Friday during March and April (3/20, 3/27, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24) to meet everyone (provided there is sunny weather). Koala lovers should not miss this rare opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite animal!

The Taipei Zoo’s Keepers’ Talk for March and April is officially online! The theme of this activity is Animals’ Appearances, starring hippos – the water king of Africa; Asian elephants – interesting animal school; koalas – koala bear is not a bear; pangolins – the grieved armor-clad genie, and crab-eating mongooses - the adorable cutie of the rainforest. Everyone is invited to listen to exciting stories. For more information, please refer to Taipei Zoo’s website (https://bit.ly/2QbCEbE).