Department of Sports, Taipei City Government

As spring arrives, vegetation throughout Taipei Zoo is flourishing. To provide animals with a more natural living environment and encourage a wider range of behaviors, a variety of plants are incorporated into outdoor habitats. These not only offer shade and help regulate temperature, but also serve as natural aerial pathways for the animals. However, at 9:00 a.m. on May 19, 2026, keepers discovered that the southern tamandua (lesser anteater), “Hei Niu,” was missing from both her indoor and outdoor enclosures. A review of surveillance footage showed that “Hei Niu” entered the outdoor habitat from her indoor area at 6:15 p.m. on May 18. At 6:55 p.m., she was last seen passing through the bromeliad planting area beside a visitor pathway, after which her whereabouts became unknown. Following an on-site inspection, it is believed that a banana tree within the habitat may have snapped while she was climbing on it, inadvertently forming a bridge to the adjacent artificial rock structure and allowing her to leave the enclosure. She has not yet returned.

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.