Taipei Fine Arts Museum

On April 20, 2026, the zoo received wonderful news: following the birth of "Li He" in 2022, a Red-crowned crane chick has successfully hatched after a four-year interval. Currently, the mother "KIKA" remains inseparable from her chick, while the father "BIG" stands guard nearby. The zoo reminds visitors to avoid approaching the enclosure and to remain quiet when passing through the area, as this will increase the chances of observing interactions between the chick and its parents. The best location to observe the cranes during the chick-rearing period is the corridor of the Amphibian and Reptile House.

In mid-March, zookeepers noticed that "KIKA" showed signs of reduced appetite for several consecutive days, even refusing favorite foods such as mealworms and crickets, which was unusual. A veterinary check was scheduled for March 18; however, keepers unexpectedly discovered that "KIKA" had laid an egg in the grass. Since the birth of "Li He" in 2022, "KIKA" and "BIG" had continued to lay eggs each year, but unfortunately, all were unfertilized. This year, after 10 days of incubation, keepers decided to replace the egg for examination to confirm whether it was viable. After candling confirmed it was a fertilized egg, it was transferred to the Avian Artificial Incubation Room. Two days before the expected hatching date (April 17), the egg was returned to "KIKA" to continue incubation. As expected, the chick hatched successfully on April 20.

"KIKA" (20 years old) and "BIG" (23 years old) are raising chicks for the second time. Despite a four-year gap since their last breeding experience with "Li He," they remain attentive and responsible parents. "BIG" becomes highly alert when people approach, vocalizing or using his long beak to drive them away while closely monitoring the surroundings. Zookeepers are advised to wear protective gear during feeding and routine work to avoid being attacked defensively. Red-crowned cranes are precocial birds; chicks are able to move around and follow their mother to forage shortly after hatching. "KIKA" takes on most of the feeding responsibilities, while "BIG" focuses on protection. The zoo reminds visitors to remain quiet during the chick-rearing period. Do not tap on the enclosure to attract attention, as this may cause "KIKA" to hide the chick and trigger defensive behavior from "BIG," increasing the risk of injury to the chick.

Would you like to catch a glimpse of the fluffy yellow chick? The zoo recommends observing from the corridor of the Amphibian and Reptile House. Bringing binoculars is suggested for a better view. Please remember to remain quiet during your visit.