Won’t listen? Wings broken, hotpot stolen — Taichung teddy bears suffer again

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Won’t listen? Since the Taichung Teddy Bear Carnival opened on November 28, there have been repeated reports of displayed teddy bears being vandalized. Yesterday (the 7th), it was discovered that the “Angel Bear” on Caogu Road had its right wing broken, while the “Hotpot Bear” at Qiuhong Valley had its entire bowl of hotpot vanish from its hands. The organizers estimate it will take three to five days to repair the damage and are urging visitors to show public spirit and stop harming the teddy bears.

▲ The “Angel Bear” has lost its wing. The right wing of the Angel Bear was broken, leaving a noticeable gap. (Photo / from2013 Teddy Bear Taichung Lohas Carnival Facebook)

The originally colorful Angel Bear is the only teddy bear in the entire exhibition with wings. After its right wing was broken, it left a large “wound.” The Hotpot Bear, located at the intersection of Taiwan Boulevard and Chaofu Road, previously had food missing from its hotpot, which was recently repaired, only to face bad news again — this time the “entire pot was stolen.”

▲ The Angel Bear on Caogu Road is the only teddy bear in the exhibition with wings. This photo shows the Angel Bear before it was “injured.” (Photo /Life is enjoyable when it’s not boring. Designed by Xiao SunProvided)

The Taichung City Government stated that the cause of the Angel Bear’s broken wing may be due to children often hanging from it to take photos. However, some people pointed out that it was caused by several foreign nationals who intentionally vandalized it while drunk late at night, though the organizers have not confirmed this. The hotpot from the Hotpot Bear may have been damaged because it looked too realistic, leading people to often poke or pull at it.

Since the Teddy Bear Carnival opened, a total of 10 bears have been damaged one after another. The city government said it has now assigned more volunteers to patrol each display area, but also hopes that the public will avoid touching the teddy bears with their hands while admiring them, to jointly protect their safety.

▲ The “Hotpot Bear” holds a bowl of hotpot in its right hand to showcase Taichung’s culinary specialties, but the hotpot is now missing. (Photo / Life is enjoyable when it’s not boring. Provided by Xiao Sun)