TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Zoo (台北市立動物園) launched a special exhibition on stray animals Friday (Jan. 24) to educate the public about the impact of stray dogs and cats on wildlife and biodiversity. The exhibition aims to highlight that these animals are human companions, not wild creatures, and their presence in the wild threatens native species.
The zoo emphasized that stray animals have increasingly attacked Taiwan's native species, such as the leopard cat. By incorporating scientific research data, the exhibition underscores the severe impact of stray animals on conservation efforts.
In the "New Beginning for Pets" (寵新開始) section, the zoo explains the origins of domestic pets and the responsibilities of pet owners, using real-life examples to illustrate the risks of pet escape. The exhibition highlights how abandoning companion animals can lead to social safety issues, environmental hygiene problems, and the spread of diseases.
Taipei Zoo has also planned an online exhibition, available through its education center and website. This section covers common native and exotic species, scientific research data, characteristics and habits of endangered native species, and methods to help both stray and wild animals.
The zoo urges the public to ensure all life forms find their rightful place, advocating for the protection of biodiversity by not abandoning pets, avoiding feeding stray animals, and choosing adoption over purchase.