Taipei Zoo's Asian Elephants Relocate; Youxin and Youkai Adapt to New Environment First
Taipei Zoo has moved two Asian elephants, Youxin and Youkai, to the African animal area after a year of desensitization training. This relocation is part of a larger renovation project for the zoo's habitats.
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- 📰 Published: April 10, 2026 at 17:23
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Taipei Municipal Zoo announced in a press release today that after a full year of gradual desensitization training, the care team today began the relocation task for "Youxin" and "Youkai." The two elephants demonstrated the results of routine training and high cooperation, walking into the transport containers themselves, being secured with restraint leg chains, and successfully arriving by vehicle at the African animal area.
The zoo stated that upon arrival at their destination, "Youxin" hesitated for a moment before exiting the container. "Youkai," who disembarked next, immediately approached upon seeing familiar faces. The two elephants frequently trumpeted and touched trunks to communicate.
The zoo noted that although "Youxin" and "Youkai" will not be active in the same space as "Qianhui," they will still be able to see and smell each other. Therefore, the care team will closely monitor their adaptation status, and once "Youxin" and "Youkai" are familiar with the indoor environment of the African animal area, they will be allowed to explore the outdoor exhibition area visible to visitors.
The zoo explained that the Rainforest Area, opened in late 1997, has been in operation for nearly 30 years. To enhance animal welfare, update old facilities, and align with international zoo professional care trends, large-scale renovations for the habitats of large herbivores and carnivores are scheduled to begin this autumn. The animals residing here will be gradually relocated to other areas for temporary housing. (Editor: Guan Zhongwei) 1150410
The zoo stated that upon arrival at their destination, "Youxin" hesitated for a moment before exiting the container. "Youkai," who disembarked next, immediately approached upon seeing familiar faces. The two elephants frequently trumpeted and touched trunks to communicate.
The zoo noted that although "Youxin" and "Youkai" will not be active in the same space as "Qianhui," they will still be able to see and smell each other. Therefore, the care team will closely monitor their adaptation status, and once "Youxin" and "Youkai" are familiar with the indoor environment of the African animal area, they will be allowed to explore the outdoor exhibition area visible to visitors.
The zoo explained that the Rainforest Area, opened in late 1997, has been in operation for nearly 30 years. To enhance animal welfare, update old facilities, and align with international zoo professional care trends, large-scale renovations for the habitats of large herbivores and carnivores are scheduled to begin this autumn. The animals residing here will be gradually relocated to other areas for temporary housing. (Editor: Guan Zhongwei) 1150410