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Spotted Hyena Incident at Taipei Zoo

On November 16, 2024, a visitor at the Taipei Zoo climbed over the fence of the spotted hyena enclosure. This act occurred shortly after the zoo posted a video of the hyena feeding, which triggered widespread criticism. The zoo is investigating whether any harmful objects were thrown to the hyenas by the visitor and plans to file a complaint.

Witnesses online expressed concern about the visitor’s actions, deeming them dangerous and lacking basic awareness. Comments included suggestions that the zoo should ban this person from re-entering.

The Taipei Zoo issued a statement later that day condemning the behavior of the tourist. The zoo emphasizes that climbing into animal enclosures and feeding them is unsafe and illegal. Surveillance footage will be reviewed to evaluate the health and behavior of the hyenas following the incident.

The zoo highlighted that the fencing serves to protect both the animals and the visitors by allowing safe observation from a distance. They reiterated that crossing barriers is a clear violation of safety rules, particularly with a potentially dangerous animal like the spotted hyena.

After preliminary checks, the zoo reported no visible abnormalities in the hyenas’ health. Further monitoring will clarify if the animal ingested anything harmful. The zoo will collect evidence and pursue legal action under the Maintenance of Social Order Act and the Animal Protection Act regarding the visitor’s disorderly conduct.

The zoo prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of both its animals and its visitors.