Preventing Teddy Bear "Bullying" Incidents: Taichung City Calls on Volunteers to Protect Teddy Bears

▲ Incidents of teddy bear damage have been frequent, prompting the Taichung government to call on volunteers to safeguard the bears. (Photo / from2013 Teddy Bear Taichung Happy Life Carnivalofficial fan page)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Since the launch of the Teddy Bear Taichung Happy Life Carnival one week ago, at least 10 teddy bears have been damaged. Today, Taichung Deputy Mayor Tsai Ping-kun called on citizens to volunteer as protectors of the teddy bears.

The 2013 Teddy Bear Taichung Happy Life Carnival exhibition runs from November 28 to January 5 of next year in Taichung City. Just one week into the event, it has been found that at least 10 teddy bears in the outdoor exhibition area have been severely damaged. This morning, various industry associations, businesses, and educational groups gathered in front of the Qiu Hong Valley Exhibition Hall plaza to jointly urge the public to show care and help protect the teddy bears.

Tsai Ping-kun stated that this teddy bear event features a hundred life-sized teddy bears displayed across various locations in Taichung City. It’s possible that the public, excited by the sight of these adorable “giant” bears, has led to at least 10 teddy bears being damaged. Although the goal is to avoid sending them back for repairs as much as possible, if the damage is assessed to be too severe, consideration may be given to temporarily removing the affected teddy bears for repair.


▲ Teddy bears in Taichung have been subjected to “bullying” incidents such as having tape stuck on them or their mustaches pulled out. (Photo / from2013 Teddy Bear Taichung Happy Life Carnivalofficial fan page)

Various industry-related business groups and students demonstrated how to take photos with the teddy bears in Qiu Hong Valley this morning. During weekends, they will also distribute small stickers in Qiu Hong Valley, Cao Wu Dao, and the plaza in front of the city government, urging the public not to climb on or pull the decorations on the teddy bears. If anyone is seen attempting to pull, climb, or touch the teddy bears, the public is encouraged to remind them as well.

The city government noted that in just seven days since the teddy bear carnival began, over 400,000 visitors have come to see the event, and nearby shops have generally seen an increase in business of more than 30%. Until January 5 of next year, the public can continue to see the super cute teddy bears at new Taichung happy-life attractions such as Qiu Hong Valley, Cao Wu Dao, Meishu Yuan Dao shopping street, and the city government plaza.

Many bakeries, hotels, and restaurants in Taichung have developed various themed products combining teddy bear elements. The city government welcomes the public to seize the time and this rare opportunity to visit Taichung, enjoy the feeling of being “hugged” by bears, and experience the leisure lifestyle of Taichung. (News source: Central News Agency)