Recently, Taipei Zoo has been in the spotlight due to a disturbing incident involving a visitor harassing animals. The victim in this case was a spotted hyena, which had already faced similar provocations last year. A man reportedly crossed over the safety railing and shouted at the animal, prompting immediate intervention from other visitors who condemned his actions. Videos of the event have sparked widespread discussion online, with many praising the bystanders for stepping in to stop the harassment.
In a similar incident on November 16 of the previous year, another man climbed over the railing at the hyena exhibit, disregarding warning signs, and threw objects at the animals while attempting to provoke them. This act was captured on video and shared on social media, leading to significant backlash from viewers.
Fast forward two months, another incident occurred where a man in white clothing ignored “no climbing” signs and entered the enclosure area with his phone, repeatedly calling out to the hyenas. This behavior drew the attention of a vigilant visitor dressed in black who urged him to stop. The man in white eventually left after being confronted.
Eyewitnesses recorded the entire episode and shared it on social media platforms like Threads. During this exchange, the man in white expressed disdain for the black-clad visitor's authority, claiming he wasn’t afraid since he wasn’t in uniform. The situation escalated as he continued to ignore warnings.
The zoo's spokesperson, Eric Tsao, responded to these incidents by stating that legal action could be pursued against visitors who ignore warnings and engage in such reckless behavior. He emphasized that enforcement of laws regarding public order and animal protection requires prior warnings that go unheeded.
In light of these events, Taipei Zoo has reinforced its visitor guidelines and incident reporting procedures. Clear signage is posted throughout the zoo, and additional staff have been assigned during peak times to educate visitors about appropriate conduct. Tsao noted that while interventions by other visitors are commendable, they often occur after inappropriate behavior has already taken place.
The zoo urges all guests to prioritize their safety and refrain from crossing barriers for photographs or closer views of the animals. Emergency contact phones are available throughout the premises for immediate assistance should any incidents arise involving injuries or animal disturbances.
As these incidents highlight ongoing concerns about visitor conduct at zoos, Taipei Zoo remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for both its animals and its guests.
