Taipei Zoo's Giant Toucan Found Holding a Mouse; Zoo Says It Didn't Eat It After Being Lured Away

(Central News Agency reporter Yang Shu-min, Taipei, 6th) Rat infestations in Taipei have sparked discussion. A visitor witnessed a giant toucan at the Taipei Zoo holding a mouse in its beak. The zoo stated today that upon receiving notification, they successfully used raisins to lure the giant toucan to release the mouse, which it did not eat. The mouse was already dead at the time and was sent to the veterinary office for examination.

The zoo informed Central News Agency reporters that around 3 PM this afternoon, a zookeeper at the Pangolin Hall received notification from a visitor that a giant toucan was suspected of preying on a mouse. Zookeepers arrived at the scene and successfully lured the giant toucan to release the mouse with raisins. Upon inspection, the mouse was already deceased and identified as a juvenile Asian house shrew. According to zoo regulations, it was sent to the veterinary office for examination to determine if it carried any diseases, viruses, or parasites.

The zoo explained that giant toucans naturally prey on other small vertebrates. However, the giant toucan housed in the Pangolin Hall already has ample food and did not consume this mouse.

Reporters inquired whether the giant toucan would be infected if the mouse tested positive for a virus. The zoo replied that giant toucans generally prey on vertebrates and they have not heard of any infections resulting from this behavior.

This incident has attracted attention given Taipei's intensified efforts to control rat infestations. The zoo stated that rodent control, trapping, and removal are ongoing. The zoo is an open space, and the entry of wild animals is normal and will continue to be controlled and prevented.

According to the zoo's official website, wild giant toucans are distributed in South America, inhabiting forests and grasslands. They are the largest toucans, with predominantly black body feathers, white neck, chest, and upper tail coverts, and red undertail coverts. Their diet includes fruits like figs and oranges, as well as caterpillars, termites, hatchlings, and bird eggs. In captive environments, they will hunt and eat small birds that fly into their cages. (Editor: Hsieh Ya-chu) 1150506

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