Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

On April 20, the “Economic, Trade and Animal Exchange Delegation” from Shandong Province’s Weihai City arrived at Taipei Zoo to learn about the recommended care measures for Formosan Serow and Formosa Sika Deer.
These indigenous animal pairs will be moved to their new home at Liugong Island in July, in exchange for the relocation of the giant panda couple to Taipei Zoo in 2009.
Accompanied by Zoo Director Jason Yeh, the visiting group conducted on-site inspections at the facilities utilized by the grazing animals, including their habitat and medical care facilities. In addition, the members of the delegation exchanged opinions on a variety of issues with zoo officials, including animals’ habitat, food recipes, management, breeding, training, and medical care.
During the visit, Liugong Island’s Managing Commission Director Yu Wen-jang briefed zoo officials on the progress of preparation works for accommodating the new guests.
He pointed out that the area reserved for the new members measures 2,500 and 2,800 square meters, respectively. The facilities are scheduled for completion by the end of May. The staff responsible for taking care of the animals will be expanded further with the addition of two more veterinarians. Moreover, the commission plans to collaborate with Shandong Jinan University on research projects related with these animals.
Director Yeh indicated that sika deer was first introduced to Liugong Island in 1985. Today, the outlying islet of Shandong is the home to a community of 200.
Weihai City was chosen as the new home for the animals due to its well-preserved natural environment, clean air, and the fact that it was excluded from the list of areas affected by animal infectious diseases.
According to Yeh, the current delegation consists of primarily administrative officials; another delegation, comprising animal experts, will visit Taipei Zoo in mid-May.