Taipei Zoo's Small-Clawed Otter 'Hsiang Cheng' Arrives in New Zealand to Aid Ex-Situ Conservation
Taipei Zoo announced today that the small-clawed otter 'Hsiang Cheng', tasked with an ex-situ conservation population exchange mission, departed for Auckland Zoo in New Zealand on the evening of the 12th and has arrived safely. The zoo wishes 'Hsiang Cheng' a smooth adaptation to its new life and integration into the local otter family.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 19:22
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(Central News Agency, Taipei, 14th) Taipei Zoo announced today that the small-clawed otter 'Hsiang Cheng', on a mission for ex-situ conservation population exchange, departed for Auckland Zoo in New Zealand on the evening of the 12th and has arrived safely. The zoo wishes 'Hsiang Cheng' a smooth adaptation to its new life and integration into the local otter family.
Taipei Zoo stated in a press release today that, under the coordination of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, 'Hsiang Cheng' has joined the endangered species conservation program and traveled to Auckland Zoo in New Zealand for a population exchange. This aims to increase the genetic diversity of the ex-situ conservation population of small-clawed otters.
The zoo said that 'Hsiang Cheng' departed on the evening of the 12th and has now safely arrived at Auckland Zoo, where it has begun quarantine procedures. After completion, it will be able to join the local otter family. The zoo wishes 'Hsiang Cheng' a smooth adaptation and a new life.
The zoo explained that the small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter and is a social animal, found in the wetlands, rivers, and lakes of Southeast and South Asia. Because they require good water quality, unpolluted natural habitats, and sufficient food sources to survive stably, the survival status of their wild populations can reflect the state of the local aquatic environment, making them an ecological indicator species.
The zoo stated that the small-clawed otter is listed as a Vulnerable (VU) species on the IUCN Red List and faces threats from illegal hunting and keeping for the pet market. For example, 'Hsiang Cheng's' mother, 'Mi Hsiang', was an individual rescued from illegal trade and housed at the zoo. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150514
Taipei Zoo stated in a press release today that, under the coordination of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, 'Hsiang Cheng' has joined the endangered species conservation program and traveled to Auckland Zoo in New Zealand for a population exchange. This aims to increase the genetic diversity of the ex-situ conservation population of small-clawed otters.
The zoo said that 'Hsiang Cheng' departed on the evening of the 12th and has now safely arrived at Auckland Zoo, where it has begun quarantine procedures. After completion, it will be able to join the local otter family. The zoo wishes 'Hsiang Cheng' a smooth adaptation and a new life.
The zoo explained that the small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter and is a social animal, found in the wetlands, rivers, and lakes of Southeast and South Asia. Because they require good water quality, unpolluted natural habitats, and sufficient food sources to survive stably, the survival status of their wild populations can reflect the state of the local aquatic environment, making them an ecological indicator species.
The zoo stated that the small-clawed otter is listed as a Vulnerable (VU) species on the IUCN Red List and faces threats from illegal hunting and keeping for the pet market. For example, 'Hsiang Cheng's' mother, 'Mi Hsiang', was an individual rescued from illegal trade and housed at the zoo. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150514