Southern Tamandua ''Hei Niu'' Located After Strolling Along Perimeter RoadPost date：2026-06-09
Updates：2026-06-09
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Thank you to everyone for your concern over the past few days regarding Taipei Zoo's Southern tamandua, ''Hei Niu.'' The missing animal was successfully located today (May 25). Just as the zoo was preparing to host the 6th Joint TAG Meeting, staff members unexpectedly spotted ''Hei Niu'' leisurely crossing the perimeter road. A staff member immediately exited the vehicle to follow her movements. After crossing the road, she moved down the slope toward the floral clock boardwalk in front of the Tropical Rainforest Area, approaching visitor-accessible spaces. Additional staff were quickly called in, and she was safely secured and brought to the veterinary hospital for observation. A preliminary examination showed no external injuries, and further assessments will be conducted after she has rested and stabilized. The recent disappearance of ''Hei Niu'' had drawn widespread public attention. Upon confirming her absence, the zoo immediately activated its search protocol, deploying more than 10 staff members daily for patrols while setting up trail cameras and live traps in surrounding areas. The zoo also extends its gratitude to the Taiwan Search and Rescue Dog Association for assisting in the operation. During the search, scent detection dogs identified a trail near the Giant Panda House; however, camera footage in the area only captured native wildlife activity—including Formosan Reeves's muntjacs, crab-eating mongooses, Small Chinese Civet, and Swinhoe's Blue Pheasant—with no sign of ''Hei Niu.''
On the afternoon of May 25, at around 5:30 PM, staff members driving along the perimeter road spotted ''Hei Niu'' , calmly crossing the road. She continued down toward the floral clock boardwalk in front of the Rainforest Area, nearing visitor zones. Staff immediately followed on foot and called for support to coordinate a safe capture. By early evening, she was successfully secured. Upon inspection, ''Hei Niu'' was found to be in stable condition and still highly active; she resisted strongly during the process and even scratched a staff member's hand, indicating that her physical condition remains good.
''Hei Niu'' has since been transferred to the veterinary hospital for observation and further health evaluations. Initial blood tests and physical examination indicate no obvious injuries, with only mild dehydration observed. She will be allowed to rest and recover before undergoing additional examinations and follow-up care. Taipei Zoo sincerely thanks the public and all supporting parties for their concern and assistance during this time.
On the afternoon of May 25, at around 5:30 PM, staff members driving along the perimeter road spotted ''Hei Niu'' , calmly crossing the road. She continued down toward the floral clock boardwalk in front of the Rainforest Area, nearing visitor zones. Staff immediately followed on foot and called for support to coordinate a safe capture. By early evening, she was successfully secured. Upon inspection, ''Hei Niu'' was found to be in stable condition and still highly active; she resisted strongly during the process and even scratched a staff member's hand, indicating that her physical condition remains good.
''Hei Niu'' has since been transferred to the veterinary hospital for observation and further health evaluations. Initial blood tests and physical examination indicate no obvious injuries, with only mild dehydration observed. She will be allowed to rest and recover before undergoing additional examinations and follow-up care. Taipei Zoo sincerely thanks the public and all supporting parties for their concern and assistance during this time.
