A tour of Taipei Zoo’s penguin house with penguin expert Lee Ku-feng

A tour of Taipei Zoo’s penguin house with penguin expert Lee Ku-feng

2023-03-13

Did you know that Taipei Zoo is home to a big family of penguins? The zoo has had several species of the Antarctic bird for more than two decades. And by their side since day one is zoo keeper Lee Ku-feng. He knows each penguin like a family member, including all their quirks, likes and dislikes. And while he loves them like his own kids, they can also be as feisty as the most stubborn child. Today Lee’s giving us a tour of the penguin house.

A line of penguins waddles along the pool’s edge. Behind them, Lee Ku-feng: the most senior penguin keeper at Taipei Zoo.

Lee knows every one of the penguins individually. He has no trouble telling them apart, or interpreting their every squeak and gesture.

Lee Ku-feng
Taipei Zoo penguin keeper
Like this one in the corner. It looks like it’s standing, but that’s their resting position. It’s facing the wall because that way other penguins won’t come over and bother it in that spot. It just likes it there! If another penguin takes the spot there, it chases them away!

Lee loves chatting about the birds just like a proud father. He was here when the penguin house was founded, and he’s been working here for 22 years.

Lee Ku-feng
Taipei Zoo penguin keeper
When the penguin house was opened, we were sent here. The zoo sent us to visit Singapore, to go into their penguin house there, and learn from them.

Lee works at temperatures below 10 degrees every day, looking after the penguins’ diets and health, cleaning the enclosure, and sometimes evading assault.

Lee Ku-feng
Taipei Zoo penguin keeper
Small animals may not always be safe just because they look cute. It’s actually easy to get injured. The African penguins love to bite our feet. And the king penguins don’t bite, but they like to stab. So when we need to carry out veterinary procedures, and we have to keep them steady, we might get beaten and hit by the penguins. It really hurts, it leaves you black and blue.

Lee has to be present whenever the penguins get health checks, because he’s the one who can tell each individual apart and knows their personalities. He also has to keep constant tabs on their health.

Lee Ku-feng
Taipei Zoo penguin keeper
We treat them like our own family. We come and see them every day. When they get sick, we worry about them, we want to improve their living environment, make it cleaner. And we try to make their food better.

Despite his expert status, Lee is happy to pose in a cute penguin hat like a tourist. When it comes to his babies, he’s a big softie.

逛動物園必去企鵝館! 揭保育員22年甘苦談

2023-03-13

國王企鵝是台北市立動物園裡，非常受歡迎的動物，從民國89年成立企鵝館後，人氣居高不下，而幕後照顧企鵝的保育員，最是辛苦，一位照顧企鵝20幾年的保育員，就跟我們分享，照顧企鵝的甘苦。

一隻隻企鵝，左右搖擺向前走，跟在後頭的保育員，叫做李谷豐，他是台北市立動物園裡最資深的企鵝保母。

動物園裡每隻企鵝，李谷豐都瞭若指掌，每個叫聲、每個動作，都可以代為翻譯。

[[台北市立動物園企鵝飼養員李谷豐]]
“像這隻在角落的(企鵝) ，雖然看起來是站著，這也是牠們一個休息的狀態，牠也不是說面牆壁，因為這個位置其他隻企鵝不會過來，就不會打擾到牠，牠就喜歡在這裡，如果有別隻佔到牠的位置，牠就會把牠趕走”

像是聊到自己的孩子一樣，爸爸經說個不停，李谷豐是企鵝館的開館元老，陪伴這些企鵝長達22年。

[[台北市立動物園企鵝飼養員李谷豐]]
“企鵝館開館的時候，那時候我們就已經被指派到這邊來，那時候園內有讓我們到新加坡去參訪，進到他們那邊的企鵝場地，有跟他們請教學習”

李谷豐每天都要在10度低溫下工作，不但要照顧企鵝們的飲食健康、還要清理館內環境，有時還得小心會被攻擊。

[[台北市立動物園企鵝飼養員李谷豐]]
“小型動物不見得說看起來可愛牠就是安全，其實(照顧時)也是很容易受傷，我們黑腳企鵝牠們都很喜歡咬我們的腳，然後像國王企鵝不是咬，是用戳的，所以像我們要做醫療處置的過程中，要保持穩定的時候，就是要被企鵝揍，被拍打的，企鵝拍打其實很痛，會黑青”

每次企鵝的健康檢查，一定要有李谷豐在旁，因為他能分辨出每隻企鵝，還知曉牠們的個性，更必須時時刻刻了解每隻企鵝的身體狀況。

[[台北市立動物園企鵝飼養員李谷豐]]
“我們就是把牠當成像我們的家人，就每天來看到牠們，那他們生病的時候，我們也是會很擔心，就會想(把環境)弄得更好一些，更乾淨一點，食物上我們就幫牠們處理得更好一點”

外表看似酷酷的李谷豐，也像遊客一樣戴起企鵝帽子，笑咪咪裝可愛，因為這些企鵝寶寶都是他的心肝寶貝。

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang says Taiwanese are ‘family,’ calls for more exchanges

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday was asked about Taiwan ties, to which he responded that the China-Taiwan bond could not be broken. Meanwhile, Chinese leader Xi Jinping once again took a more threatening stance on what he called “separatists” and foreign forces, saying China would resolutely oppose them. Responding to the latest comments from Beijing, one researcher said there was nothing new yet on the issue of Taiwan, and said Taiwan’s government should be on the lookout for ways that Beijing would try to implement its policy on cross-strait ties.

In his first press conference since Beijing’s Two Sessions last week, Chinese Premier Li Qiang took the stage with the country’s four new vice premiers. Li spoke on cross-strait ties.

Li Qiang
Chinese premier
Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. We often say that blood is thicker than water. Even if conflicts emerge, our bond will not be broken.

Asked about cross-strait ties, Li departed from China’s normal stance of wolf-warrior diplomacy, opting instead for soft words. The premier expressed hope that regular cross-strait exchanges would soon resume.

Li Qiang
Chinese premier
We hope that more Taiwanese compatriots will come to the mainland. We not only hope to make them want to come, but also hope they will feel closer to us, and enjoy greater development.

It’s not clear whether Taiwanese would feel convinced by Li’s words. Some say Li and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are playing good cop, bad cop.

Xi Jinping
Chinese leader
We will persist in following the “One China Principle” and the “1992 consensus,” to promote the peaceful development of the cross-strait relationship. We will resolutely oppose any interference by foreign powers, and will unswervingly promote the process of reunification of the motherland.

Xi made it clear that pushing for unification with Taiwan remains on the agenda. The issue became the topic of discussion in Taiwan’s legislature.

Chiu Tai-san
Mainland Affairs Council minister
Most people in other countries now see Xi as something of an emperor, or an autocrat. We’re his neighbor, and we can’t run away. So, we need to be very careful in our response to him.

Former U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo during an interview with the press, called Xi the U.S.’ most challenging adversary, as well as the greatest threat the world faces.

Mike Pompeo
Former US state secretary
He is dead-eyed, he is clear, he is serious… but he’s now been essentially declared chairman for life, and has a lot of scope to do the things he is intent upon doing, including bringing Taiwan into the political fold of China.

Wang Chih-sheng
Association of Chinese Elite Leadership
It would seem that for Xi Jinping, the greatest challenge in dealing with Taiwan is what he calls “Taiwanese separatism” and foreign forces. However, on the whole, the content of Xi’s Taiwan policy hasn’t changed since the 20th National People’s Congress that was held last fall. What we need to focus on moving forward is what China actually does to try to implement what it calls unification-related exchanges, and measures for peaceful unification.

With Xi gripping power ever more tightly, and his rhetoric on unification with Taiwan growing ever louder, the world is watching developments in the Taiwan Strait closely.

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Government warns retired soldiers against going to China for military academy event

The Veterans Affairs Council on Monday held a press conference urging former military personnel to be wary of invitations for events in China. Recently, several veterans’ associations have tried to recruit former officials to travel across the strait to take part in the 99th anniversary of the Whampoa Military Academy. The head of the Mainland Affairs Council has urged people to reflect on how China has been trying to further its unification campaign with Taiwan before accepting such invitations.

Feng Shih-kuan
Veterans Affairs Council
How can we tolerate taking part in their event when the number of PLA planes and vessels on the waters and in the airspace around Taiwan is not going down.

Veterans Affairs Council head Feng Shih-kuan held a rare press conference on Monday. The motive was that several associations for retired military officials had been recruiting 500 alumni of the Republic of China Military Academy to go to China to take part in the 99th anniversary of the foundation of its predecessor, the Whampoa Military Academy. Feng says China’s event is a thinly veiled attempt at promoting unification.

Feng Shih-kuan
Veterans Affairs Council
I find it very inappropriate to try to get attendees via associations. I would like to call on all our retired brothers in arms: Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Whampoa Military Academy. So let us all take part in the celebrations here. The R.O.C. flag of the academy and the Constitution are all in Taiwan. We have the real deal.

Lee Wen-chung
Veterans Affairs Council
Going would completely undermine the tradition and spirit of the Whampoa Military Academy. I urge those few former Whampoa Military Academy people to not fall into the trap of CCP’s unification propaganda just because they offer hospitality and other small perks.

The predecessor of the Republic of China Military Academy currently headquartered in Kaohsiung’s Fengshan District is the Whampoa Military Academy, founded on Jun. 16, 1924 in what is now Huangpu District in China’s Guangzhou city. Then-R.O.C. president Sun Yat-sen instructed the academy to be established as a military training center for the R.O.C. Its first superintendent was Chiang Kai-shek. Now that 99 years have passed, and the 100th anniversary is coming up, the Veterans Affairs Council and the Mainland Affairs Council are issuing words of warning.

Chiu Tai-san
Mainland Affairs Council
We all know that over the past three years of the pandemic, mainland China has continued to promote unification and integration, as well as waging a political war with Taiwan. I think everyone has seen this. So I would like to call on everyone that, if you really to go to mainland China, don’t do something that will hurt or anger your fellow compatriots.

China continues using all it can to lure over former military officials, in hopes of furthering its campaign to annex Taiwan.

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VP Lai picks up election registration form for 2024 presidential election primary

The DPP on Monday began accepting registration to run in its primary for next year’s presidential election. Vice President Lai, who is widely expected to run, on Monday picked up a registration form. However he was not the only one. Chen Chin-chang, has expressed interest in the election, meaning Lai’s nomination is still not set in stone. Other voices in the party say the DPP is focusing on unity and stability within the party to better prepare for the election.

Vice President Lai Ching-te on Monday met with a delegation from the Africa Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, and apologized for President Tsai’s absence at the event.

Lai Ching-te
Vice President
President Tsai Ing-wen is very busy today. She’s meeting with several foreign delegations. Everyone is very concerned about the situation in the Taiwan Strait, so there has been a number of U.S. and European parliamentarians and other officials visiting Taiwan. The president must meet those delegations, so I apologize.

Lai is expected to run in the 2024 presidential election, and is now already taking on some of the president’s responsibilities.

The DPP on Monday began issuing registration forms to party members planning to run in the party’s primary. Lai picked up his registration form, and is planning to register on Wednesday. Meanwhile, veteran party member Chen Chin-chang 陳進昌 has also expressed interest in registering his candidacy, and has also picked up his form.

Chen Chin-chang
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I’m ready to run. I have NT$5 million for the registration, and if it’s enough I’ll register at once. If not enough, then I won’t register.

Whether Lai will have a contender in the race before registration closes on Friday remains to be seen. Party members at present appear largely in consensus on the election, and Lai is expected to luncheon with members of each faction in the coming days to gather input.

Liu Shih-fang
DPP legislator
With the current atmosphere in the DPP, we are trying to build unity and stability. We will work hard and do anything we can more united and stable, to better face the various challenges we will encounter in the presidential election.

Lin Chun-hsien
DPP legislator
The DPP hopes to nominate someone as soon as possible, so it can start working on a campaign. The DPP is now the ruling party, and it has had many past achievements. There are also many plans for the future, and we will absolutely achieve those plans for the public. We also need to reflect on our past mistakes, and must inform the public about what we’ve done well.

If Lai is the only candidate who registers his candidacy, then the DPP’s campaign will begin early. If not, the party will go through the primary procedures, and announce a nominee on April 12. Meanwhile, Lai is focusing on national policy, dialogue with youth, and party unity.

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Taiwan infielder Yu Chang named most valuable player of CWB Pool A

Taiwan suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Cuba on Sunday at the World Baseball Classic, losing out on an opportunity to move to quarter finals. Though it’s the end of the line for Team Taiwan, not all was bad news. Taiwan infielder Yu Chang was named the most valuable player in Pool A, with a .438 batting average, and his scoring of two home runs.

Speaking to reporters after Taiwan’s defeat to Cuba, Yu Chang could barely hold back tears. Though Taiwan was eliminated from the tournament on Sunday, Chang’s stellar performance during the games did not go unnoticed.

Over the four games, Chang had a .438 batting average, scoring two home runs, and eight RBIs. He’s been named the most valuable player of Pool A at the World Baseball Classic.

Yu Chang
WBC Pool A MVP
It’s thanks to the energy from Team Taiwan that I was able to get this accolade. I would like to thank the team, thank you for your hard work. Let’s keep going forward together! Thank you.

With his time in the WBC already up, Chang is set to now return to the U.S. to rejoin the Red Sox for spring training. He says he will bring his blessings with him to face any challenges that come up.

Yu Chang
WBC Pool A MVP
We all stuck together, and did not give up. We cheered each other on, and that’s what we need the most. When I’m abroad, nobody cheers me on. It feels very lonely.

Though Team Taiwan missed a ticket to play in the quarterfinals in Tokyo, they still had the support from many in Taiwan. President Tsai Ing-wen posted on social media thanking all the “heroes of Taiwan,” saying that she would always be proud of them. Vice President Lai Ching-te said that the team would always be honored by Taiwanese baseball fans. Premier Chen Chien-jen, said that, no matter win or lose, the team would always be the pride of Taiwan. And the baseball players were not the only ones catching media attention.

On Twitter, MLB writer Matt Monagan posted a video of Taiwan’s last game, showing the fans cheering. The caption reads “This has been these fans all week. Down 7-0 in the 8th, still standing, still singing, still hoping. What an unforgettable atmosphere.”

Yu Chang
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It is a real pity. But I would like to thank everyone. Thank you for your word. And I’d like to thank the fans too, for coming to the stadium to cheer for us. Although we didn’t achieve our goal, we did our best. Team Taiwan will only get better and greater.

All teams in Pool A finished with 2 wins and 2 losses, meaning tiebraker rules were activated. Having allowed 31 runs, Taiwan had to wave goodbye to the tournament.

Liu Yueh-ping
Team Taiwan head coach
Not every pitcher that hits the mound is a strong pitcher. So we have to find a way to improve the ability of most pitchers in Taiwan, so that they can become the main driver for our team in future international competitions.

Taiwan secured two wins in the qualifier thanks to a good run support. The team’s coach says figuring out how to improve pitcher’s skills will be an important lesson to consider moving forward.

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Shilin District hair stylists open salon late for night owl clientele

Now, how often do you get your hair cut? Is it easy to fit it in? For people who work irregular hours, it can be quite a rush to reach a salon after work. A pair of hair stylists in Taipei’s Shilin District have made a name for themselves as stylists for night owls! They noticed that visitors to the nearby night market would love to get their hair done late at night. Since they pushed their hours into the early morning, business has been booming.

The hairdresser works shampoo into a lather before giving the customer a head massage. They look relaxed enough to nod off.

The stylists cut hair precisely to suit the customer’s face. Meanwhile, two designers apply a conditioning treatment to another customer’s hair. This small salon is full to bursting with stylists, even though, according to the clock, it’s already 11 p.m.

Punk
Hair stylist
I was working here in the hair industry in Shilin before. The night market has always been packed with customers at night, but most of the salons shut at 8 or 9 p.m. I thought, there must be demand at night. We started opening at night before the pandemic. At first we opened at 1 p.m., then we pushed it back to 3 p.m., because I wanted to extend our opening hours even more.

Hai-tou
Hair stylist
Young people go to bed pretty late nowadays. But there are absolutely no hair salons open from 9 p.m. to 11 or midnight. Women really like to get their hair washed, especially after they finish work. And actually, they don’t mind too much if it isn’t the cheapest.

The salon spotted a gap in the market for hair washes and cuts late at night, especially for women working in service industries, or department stores, who are willing to splash the cash. Piggy-backing off the local night market culture, they’ve pushed their opening hours back more and more, and grew profits by 30-40% during the pandemic.

Customer
I think it’s great. I sometimes do overtime late at night, and then I can come here to get my hair cut. It’s very convenient, and there are fewer people and it’s quieter. The experience is nicer.

By choosing the opposite strategy to their rivals, the salon has uncovered fresh demand. They’re just getting busy as other salons close for the day, welcoming a steady stream of customers throughout the evening. At peak times, there might be four stylists and three assistants working here flat out until 6 a.m.

Hai-tou
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During the pandemic, I have some clients who are company boss types, and they don’t like having other clients right beside them. They really don’t like that. So they would prefer to take a nighttime slot and pay extra.

Punk
Hair stylist
You have to be flexible in this business. Because, to be honest, it’s not that we’re such amazingly exceptional hairdressers. So instead of competing with rivals for the daytime market, it’s better to go for nighttime, where there is little competition. Then I have a niche.

The stylists have added about NT$200,000 to their monthly turnover thanks to the decision to enter night mode – as well as securing a niche with a large group of loyal customers.

2023-03-13