Hippopotamus controversy at Tianma Ranch sparks debate—animal attractions remain top family travel choice

Text by the editorial team of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, compiled and reported

Tianma Ranch’s male hippo “Ah He” suddenly died on the morning of the 29th, and the vehicle-leaping incident caused a nationwide stir. Currently, the ranch has received help from Taipei Zoo to proceed with an autopsy to uncover the real cause of death. Since the incident occurred, apart from the Taichung City Agriculture Bureau concluding that Tianma Ranch could not avoid negligence, many netizens have also tallied past operational shortcomings of the ranch and initiated a boycott campaign, urging everyone not to base their happiness on the suffering of animals.

Located in Taichung, Tianma Ranch is an animal farm-themed park that houses many animals, aiming to be a great place for family fun. Aside from the currently most-discussed hippo Ah He, it previously gained popularity due to the alpaca—famous for its homophonically viral name “grass mud horse”—whose cute appearance attracted many visitors. However, it was also criticized for its “alpaca birth show,” which was deemed inhumane, sparking widespread condemnation. Taichung Mayor Lin Jia-long also posted, stating “Ah He may not be an isolated case,” expressing active intervention to investigate thoroughly and hoping to bring justice to Ah He, while resolving the ranch’s animal-related issues once and for all.

Besides improvements needed at the ranch, zoos are among the most frequently visited destinations for family outings. But we must not forget that “our attitude toward life is part of the life education we impart to the next generation.” In addition to establishing comprehensive animal performance mechanisms to protect animals, when taking children to animal attractions, we should also lead by example, helping children develop a more respectful attitude toward animals.

Currently, besides Tianma Ranch, there are about a dozen animal leisure attractions across Taiwan, includingTaipei City Zoo, Kaohsiung Shoushan Zoo, Hsinchu City Zoo, Sun Moon Lake Peacock Garden, Changhua Klein Manor, Lugu National Phoenix Valley Bird Park, Tainan Playful World Wildlife Park, Taichung Uncle Guo’s Wild Monkey Park, Changhua Dashan Leisure Ranch, and Yanshui Crocodile Kingdom......among others, all of which are excellent destinations for family outings. We hope everyone can set a good example for children and together care for animals while enjoying happy trips.