Department of Sports, Taipei City Government

When passing by the Asiatic black bear outdoor habitat in Taipei Zoo’s Temperate Zone, have you noticed a new wooden structure that seems to have “grown” within the forest-like setting? This is a custom-built climbing structure designed by the bear care team specifically for “Bei Er,” aimed at enhancing her environmental enrichment while giving visitors more opportunities to observe her charming behaviors.

“Bei Er” moved into the outdoor habitat next to the Penguin House in October 2025. From the very beginning, she adapted well to her new environment and has displayed a wide range of natural behaviors. Visitors often have the chance to see her digging in the soil. When the weather is pleasant—or when she feels like it—she can also be seen playing by the large pool or manipulating enrichment devices to retrieve food. Taipei Zoo strives to design habitats that incorporate elements and functions similar to those in the wild, providing diverse stimuli that encourage black bears to actively explore. Through habitat design, environmental enrichment, and positive reinforcement medical training, the zoo continues to improve the welfare of each individual bear.

To give “Bei Er” more opportunities to climb and use vertical space, keepers recently added a wooden climbing structure to the outdoor habitat. On the very first day it was introduced, she approached this “new piece of furniture” without hesitation, freely exploring and climbing on it while calmly enjoying the food placed there by her keepers. She has also been observed rubbing her back against different parts of the structure, sitting contentedly on the platform to rest, and agilely climbing up to the “roof,” where she sprawls out in a relaxed, star-shaped position for a nap.

Her playful and flexible use of the new structure has been both entertaining and endearing to watch. Visitors are warmly invited to come and “inspect” the new climbing structure alongside “Bei Er.” Try spending a little more time at her outdoor habitat—you might be lucky enough to see her using the structure in different ways or interacting with other enrichment items.