The Children's Zoo at Taipei City's Municipal Zoo is home to a group of miniature horses and domesticated donkeys. These animals are well-socialized to accompany humans, known for their stable and gentle nature. Every Monday, they are occasionally taken out of their enclosures for a stroll around the zoo. The caretakers mention that the walking routes of the miniature horses are unpredictable, making it possible to spot them interacting with other animals anywhere in the zoo.
Caretakers build relationships with these animals through activities like bathing and grooming. On sunny days, they take the miniature horses and donkeys for walks outside their enclosures to increase their activity levels and ensure they remain comfortable around people. The caretakers humorously note that while they accompany the animals on walks, it's more like the animals are leading the way. The routes are entirely dependent on the animals' mood at the moment.
Starting from the Children's Zoo, they often visit nearby activity areas and greet other horses. When passing by the alpaca area, the alpacas frequently stretch their necks to gaze in the direction of the horses. The group may also stop by the "Happy Chicken Farm" to observe what the mother hens are doing. The zoo explains that the Children's Zoo was initially designed to reflect a rural setting with familiar farm animals and wetlands, aiming to present a friendly agricultural environment that highlights the foundation of human societal development.
Beyond the children's area, the miniature horses and donkeys may stroll along the main pathways and service roads of the zoo. They take advantage of these walks to explore their surroundings, stopping occasionally to look around, roll on the grass, or nibble on roadside plants and pick up fruits. The zoo notes that the miniature horses and donkeys currently go for walks on Mondays, depending on the weather. If visitors encounter them during these strolls, they are welcome to observe and greet them from a distance, adhering to the rule of not touching the animals.
