Shoushan Zoo in Kaohsiung recently celebrated the birthdays of two beloved Formosan black bears, "Hei Pi" and "Bobby". Hei Pi, the older brother, turned 23, while Bobby, who gained fame for standing on two feet, celebrated his 21st birthday. The zoo organized a special event to mark this occasion, inviting retired zookeeper Chiu Shi-Ju to share his experiences and stories about caring for the brothers.
Hei Pi and Bobby were both born at Shoushan Zoo, in 2002 and 2004, respectively. They are part of a group of four Formosan black bears at the zoo, which also includes Ping Ping and Mary. The brothers have become fan favorites among visitors due to their playful nature. During the celebration, street performer "Green Dragon with His Violin" performed "Happy Birthday" and classical music, captivating Bobby with the melodies. Bobby curiously swayed to the rhythm and even climbed a tree to get closer to the music, showcasing his adorable antics.
The event highlighted the importance of conservation efforts for the Formosan black bear, which is an endangered species. The Director of the Tourism Bureau, Kao Min-Lin, noted that the popular Kaohsiung mascot, "Kaohsiung Bear", was inspired by the zoo's Formosan black bears. Kao emphasized that by celebrating the bears' birthdays, the zoo aims not only to wish them well but also to raise public awareness about the need to protect these endangered animals.
Visitors were able to flip through photo albums documenting the growth of Hei Pi and Bobby, while retired zookeeper Chiu shared handwritten diaries and precious photos from their early years. The celebration served as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the need for continued support to protect these magnificent creatures.
