Linyuan locals shocked by toxic red-turtle-cake-looking sea slugs

Linyuan locals shocked by toxic red-turtle-cake-looking sea slugs

2026-05-06

People enjoying the beach in Kaohisung were shocked to find something that looked like three red turtle cakes crawling in the sand. Freaked out by the strange appearance of the creatures, they approached them and took a video of it. It turns out, the dark red blobs were not turtles or alien creatures , but a species of sea slug. Experts identified it as Pleurobranchus forskalii, and urged the public to not touch, or worse, eat them, as they secrete substances toxic to humans.

The back of the slug is covered in thick raised patterns with a whitish outline. The species is much bigger than terrestrial slugs, and can reach a size of up to 30cm. During the day, they usually hide under rocks, and come out at night. Due to its toxicity, people are urged to admire them from a distance and not touch them.

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#seaslug #nature #marinelife #biology #beach

林園海灘驚見"移動紅龜粿"! 含毒性海蛞蝓首現蹤

2026-05-06

最近在高雄林園海灘，有民眾發現外觀神似傳統點心”紅龜粿”的海洋生物，還一次出現三隻，讓當地居民很疑惑，不過就有專家說，這是福斯卡側鰓海蛞蝓，分泌的黏液有毒性，提醒民眾別動手觸摸，更別捕食。

背部看起來是一塊塊厚實隆起的花紋，並由白線條勾邊，福斯卡側鰓海蛞蝓色彩多變，體型龐大，最長可以長到30公分，白天通常躲在石頭下，夜晚才出來活動，因為黏液有毒，也呼籲民眾若看到牠，欣賞就好，千萬別動手去摸。

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Massive pet pig often seen wandering streets of Taipei, cooling off outside shops

Taking your dog for a walk is normal, but what about a pig? While strolling around Taipei’s Zhongshan area, you may have spotted a rotund pig leisurely wandering the streets. You may have also seen this social media darling online, since most people will snap a picture. If the weather is hot and she’s tired, she’s prone to flopping down outside store entrances to enjoy the AC, invariably drawing crowds of onlookers. Here’s our exclusive report on this streetwise swine.

To cool off on this hot day, an enormous pig lies down at the entrance to a store. When it’s too hot for humans, it’s also too hot for pigs. She chose this spot to enjoy the free AC.

She looks to be sound asleep, even leaving a puddle of drool. Crowds have already gathered here in Taipei’s Zhongshan shopping district.

- It’s the first time I’ve seen her! So cute.

- It’s certainly unique. I’ve never seen anyone keep a pig this large before.

People usually hurry along, but as soon as they see the pig, they stop in their tracks and give way, usually taking out their phone to take a picture. The owner said she’s already become somewhat of a celebrity as people post about her online.

Wu Wen-yi
FTV reporter
You’ve seen people walking their pets, but have you ever seen someone walking a pig this large before? You can usually spot her around Taipei’s Zhongshan and Datong districts. Whenever she goes out, she becomes the center of attention.

Wherever she goes, crowds follow her like a neighborhood celebrity. She’s even stubborn with her owner. Our reporter jumped at the chance to try walking her herself.

This was a first for the reporter! Good thing the pig was well behaved. Walking a 130-kilogram animal definitely takes some skill.

The pig is named Milk Tea. She’s a three-and-a-half year old musk pig, a breed commonly known as a “mini pig.” But don’t be fooled into thinking they’ll stay small forever. If they keep eating, they can grow to be as big as Milk Tea.

Mr. Lin
Owner
When I was working, I saw some little piglets being sold on the street, so I bought one.

Mr. Lin takes good care of her, bathing her every day and taking her for walks. Milk Tea even knows her way around Zhongshan, and can easily find her way home. She can even climb the stairs at the apartment.

- On the weekends we walk five hours. Two hours on weekdays.

Milk Tea goes for walks every day, so next time you’re out and about, keep your eyes peeled for this adorable porcine celebrity of Zhongshan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Taipei #pig #petpig #unusualpet #Zhongshan #pets #minipig #animals #onlinecelebrity #MilkTeathepig

2026-05-06

Ramen vending machine saves overnight travelers at Taoyuan airport

Many budget travelers opt for red-eye flights to save money. But late at night, the shops in the restricted area are all closed and there aren’t any convenience stores to grab a bite. Now, the Taoyuan airport’s first terminal has a savior for the hungry overnight traveler: a 24-hour ramen vending machine. With just a few button presses, you can get a fresh bowl of noodles on demand.

A machine opens to reveal a steaming bowl of ramen noodles. Just grab some chopsticks and a seat, and dig in.

Under the film, the big slices of chashu pork are the first thing you see. With a big bite of noodles, you also get seaweed, wood-ear mushroom, and bamboo shoot. It tastes just like it was freshly made. But if you look around, those blue lights give it away. These ramen vending machines are in the restricted area of the Taoyuan airport’s first terminal.

Traveler
Tried the vending machine
After trying it, I think the taste is pretty similar to what you’d get at a normal shop.

Traveler
Tried the vending machine
It’s easy to use, and there are lots of payment methods. The taste also isn’t bad. Really flavorful. Compared to what you’d get elsewhere, it’s actually pretty good.

The operator said these machines have actually been at the airport for two years already, but only recently went viral online because of the long lines late at night. The same machine can be found at Ximen Station on the Taipei MRT. But compared to Ximending where there’s good food everywhere, the machine is a godsend for the hungry airline traveler.

Jesse Lin
Travel expert
It’s hard to find food when taking a red-eye flight, and the machine is conveniently located right at an intersection. Inside the restricted area of Taoyuan airport, 24-hour services include the lounge in Terminal 1, as well as a bakery and coffee shop in Terminal 2. Before security, there are convenience stores and a fast-food restaurant in Terminal 2 that stay open 24 hours.

As skyrocketing fuel costs continue to push ticket prices higher, more travelers are likely to opt for red-eye flights, meaning that late-night airport dining is bound to become an even more lucrative business.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#travel #Taoyuanairport #redeye #redeyeflight #budgettravel #ramen #vendingmachine #food #midnightsnack

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Michael J. Fonte conferred 2nd Class Order of Brilliant Star by president

Michael Fonte, former Director of the DPP’s Mission in the US, was conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon by the president on Wednesday. In remarks, President Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude for Fonte’s decades-long allyship with Taiwan’s democracy activists, and for gaining the US government’s support for Taiwan. Fonte arrived in Taiwan in 1976, served as missionary in rural townships and learned to speak fluent Taigi. Fonte stated that Taiwan must remain resilient in the face of continued threats from China.

President Lai Ching-te confers the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to Michael Fonte, former Director of the DPP’s Mission in the US. The president is filled with gratitude for Fonte’s efforts in promoting Taiwan-US relations.

Lai Ching-te
President
He speaks Taigi, so I will be delivering my remarks in Taigi. I’d like to express my gratitude to Mr. Michael Fonte, whom we know so well as Mike, for his selfless contributions for Taiwan’s democracy through concrete action throughout the years, for his painstaking management and dedication for Taiwan-US relations.

Fonte arrived in Taiwan in 1976 after graduating from seminary. Throughout the years, he’s served in several rural townships and acquired fluent Taigi. He was also an ally of Taiwan’s democracy activists. After returning to the US, he continued to support Taiwan’s democratization and continued to work with activists, including victims of the Kaohsiung Incident. He also lobbied for Taiwan at the US Congress.

Lai Ching-te
President
Mike always says that Taiwan stole his heart, leading to a profound connection with Taiwan, so much so that he’ll never be separated from Taiwan. Thanks to Mike’s lobbying, Taiwan’s international status received rock-solid support from the US in times of uncertainty. Mike has always stood alongside the people of Taiwan in the face of challenges.

Michael J. Fonte
Former Director of DPP in the US
The world needs to hear this story, this wonderful story, and support Taiwan, as Taiwan continues now in the face of continued threats from China. I’m deeply honored to have a small part—just a teeny bit [in Taigi]—of this journey. Thanks to all of you for your companionship as we move through this time. Challenges remain. We must all remain resilient and keep up with this good fight. Long live Taiwan democracy [in Taigi]!

Fonte’s decades-long dedication to Taiwan is officially honored with this award.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taiwan #taiwanusrelations #dpp #immigrantstory #democracy

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DPP kicks off outreach event series with forum in Kaohsiung

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BBQ, hot pot restaurants offering Mother’s Day specials

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and restaurants haven’t forgotten to roll out some special deals for mom. One barbecue restaurant in Kaohsiung is skipping the discounts in lieu of a festive special: Give mom a kiss and you’ll get a crab bake loaded with roe and meat. Another hot pot restaurant is giving away 19cm jumbo shrimp, hoping to turn dinner into a celebration rather than just another meal.

There are lots of options at this all-you-can-eat barbecue restaurant. But the standout is this crab meat with roe, stuffed into a shell and flame-grilled with cheese. If you want to get this delicious crab bake, you’ll have to complete a special mission with mom.

Plant a kiss on mom’s cheek to show her your gratitude. For a limited time at this Kaohsiung barbecue joint, give mom a kiss to get seafood specials. The owner hopes to turn your Mother’s Day dinner into a bonding event, rather than just another meal.

Restaurant owner
Helping families bond
Customers nowadays get more excited about participation and interaction. We want to help strengthen the bond between our guests and their mothers.

Moms who have tried the special so far love the crab bake. Not looking to miss out on the holiday market, this hot pot restaurant is giving away giant 19cm jumbo shrimp. All you have to do is check in on social media with mom.

Customer
Celebrating Mother’s Day
They’re giving away jumbo shrimp for Mother’s Day, so I brought the kids here to celebrate.

Customer
Celebrating Mother’s Day
Giant shrimp and great meat. Happy Mother’s Day to me!

Restaurant owner
Helping families bond
Checking in will get you free deep-sea black tiger prawns. We’re inviting everyone to be brave and announce their affection online.

With plump jumbo shrimp, enticing meat platters, and a variety of sides, it’s the perfect way to treat your hardworking mother. Looking beyond traditional discounts, these restaurants are hoping to encourage family bonding to make this Mother’s Day an unforgettable one.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#MothersDay #restaurant #family #specialdeal #giveaway #seafood #jumboshrimp #crab #familybonding

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Driver accused of hit-and-run murder of beloved shop dog: Exclusive

Viewer discretion is advised for the next story, as it involves animal cruelty that many may find disturbing. On Tuesday, a driver of an SUV ran over a dog’s leg while parking. Even though he was aware of the accident, he did not stop and rescue the dog, only giving it a quick glance and carrying on with his errands. When he returned to his car, he forcibly dragged the dog from under the wheel, cast it aside, and drove off. The entire incident was caught on CCTV, and needless to say, the dog’s owners are heartbroken.

In the surveillance footage, an SUV is parking by a storefront. The driver rams through a dog’s leg on the left rear wheel. He gives it a quick glance after stepping out, but nothing more. But that’s not all.

The driver returned about three minutes later. He sees that the dog is still stuck under the wheel. He drags the dog out, casts it aside, and drives right off. The dog’s owners are heartbroken about what happened.

Ms. Tsai
Dog got run over
He came here yesterday to fetch the Labor Day gift for union members. I can’t believe he killed my dog by running over it while parking at our entrance. It’s despicable, a really immoral thing he did. We’ve had our cute little pupper for so many years, and it’s gone, just like that. It passed away last night. I’m so furious.

Mr. Lin
Dog got run over
He left it paralyzed and unable to move after the crash, and even dragged it out roughly. I think what he did is completely inhumane, and really so, so unacceptable.

Members of the dog’s family are furious and grief-stricken. Worse, they say that the instigator denied everything when confronted him. They add that he’s essentially committed a hit-and-run murder of their pet, which is truly despicable.

Ms. Yeh
Dog got run over
We went out immediately and asked him if he had run over our dog, but he denied it. That’s the thing—he’s not admitting to it. His attitude is horrible. We’re not ruling out litigating. We’re still researching if there are relevant laws. The dog’s bottom half was basically left with comminuted fracture. Basically, when it got run over right here, after it collapsed, it was left in a coma and unconscious. It was still unconscious after treatment at the animal hospital.

The injured dog is a corgi named Loca, an unofficial mascot for the owners’ store and loved by customers. The owners would never imagine that it would pass away right at their storefront.

Yang Shu-fang
New Taipei animal protection office
The driver’s hit-and-run action running over the dog and killing it—should it be proven as intentional killing, the man will be prosecuted according to the Animal Protection Act, subject to a maximum sentence of two years, plus a fine of up to NT$2 million.

The family hopes that the instigator could be held accountable according to law.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#dog #sadstory #animalabuse #sad #animalcruelty

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Helmet-less man on go-kart terrorizes Yilan road users

If you’ve ever driven a go-kart you know just how difficult it is to ride straight and turn corners to not flip over. That’s why these vehicles are usually restricted to closed of circuits, where racers can have fun safely. But a go-karter in Yilan had a different idea, and rode an electric go-kart right out on the road, alongside scooters, cars and massive gravel trucks. His reckless behavior has become the talk of town, and needless to say, violates traffic rules.

A man is having a blast on an electric go-kart, hair in the wind, as he’s not wearing any helmet or protective gear. He glides leisurely along the side of the road, but in the next lane over, cars zip by, and even a massive gravel truck passes by at a hair’s breadth.

Member of public
Scared for go-karter
It’s so dangerous! There’s a ton of gravel trucks and cargo trucks on that road. Plus, they are all so high up and the go-kart is so low. It’s like a kid’s tricycle, there’s no way you’d see it. It’s a disaster waiting to happen, all it takes is one wrong turn or one inch too close.

Member of public
Scared for go-karter
Why on earth would you take it on the road? If an accident happens, who’d be responsible? It’s so reckless. That would flip over super easily.

The video was taken on a coastal road from Toucheng to Wushi Harbor on Tuesday, and was posted online, shocking netizens. Of all the transport options he could’ve taken, the man picked an electric go-kart that’s just meant for fun, and is not allowed on the road.

The go-kart sits very low, meaning it’s in a blind spot for cars.

Fu Chuan-kai
Police officer
Power-driven machines that do not fall within the category of automobiles but are operated on roads shall be subject to a fine of between NT$3,000 and NT$9,000 if a temporary permit has not been obtained in accordance with regulations, or if the operator does not hold a valid driver’s license as required.

Riding a go-kart requires quite a bit of good technique, as one wrong turn could cause the whole thing to flip around. In general, go-karts like these are only used in closed-off circuits for fun, but this man in Yilan decided to make the public road his own personal racetrack.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#mariokart #gokart #course #yilan #taiwan

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