"Bear" violence alert: The teddy bear exhibition in Taichung lasts only 4 days, with bear beards and accessories damaged

▲ Teddy bears standing 173 cm tall have been taking over major spots in Taichung since November 28, attracting large crowds with their cute appearance. But now, there are reports of varying degrees of damage to some of them. (Photo /Enjoy without boredom. Provided by Gui Xiaosun)

Reported by Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive report

Hundreds of teddy bears as tall as humans have been taking over various spots in Taichung since last week, allowing people to take photos with these adorable "giant" bears while strolling or shopping. However, possibly due to excessive excitement, just four days into the exhibition, there are reports that some teddy bear accessories or decorations have been damaged. The organizers expressed their distress, hoping that while enjoying the teddy bears, the public will also take good care of each one.

The "2013 Taichung Happy Teddy Bear Carnival" chose Taichung for its warm and pleasant weather and rich local cultural characteristics, bringing the Asian premiere to the city. In addition to incorporating local scenery and industries into the event’s logo, they also prepared 100 teddy bears standing 173 cm tall, which began appearing on Taichung streets from November 28.

▲ Each teddy bear has a large "Please do not touch" sign at its feet, but many people couldn’t resist “touching” them due to their enthusiasm. (Photo /Enjoy life without boredom. Provided by Gui Xiaosun)

Even with large "Please do not touch" warnings placed next to each teddy bear, public enthusiasm still led them to cross the line. According to ETtoday Dongsen Travel Cloud, who contacted the organizers, some teddy bears have indeed been damaged. Maintenance staff reported that many children attempting to take photos often try to climb onto the bears for close-up shots. The bears' bellies have become dark and dirty from excessive touching, and some even had stickers stuck on their heads.

In addition, among the teddy bears representing various Taichung industries, the "hot pot bear" had its hot pot ingredients pulled off, the "mustache bear" lost its proud mustache, the "coffee bear’s" coffee cup was taken by someone to “drink coffee,” the tools of the "crafts bear," representing handicrafts, were damaged, and someone even tried to unscrew and take the bicycle next to the "bicycle bear" to ride home forever.

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%季尤挥腥讼氚选暗コ敌堋钡慕盘こ挡鹣吕创?丶耶......。(Photo /Enjoy life without boredom. Provided by Gui Xiaosun)

The organizers said helplessly that so far, they have only received reports of damaged teddy bears. The exact number and extent of the damage can only be determined after an on-site inspection. Although they aim to avoid sending any bears back for repairs if possible, if the damage is deemed too severe, they may consider temporarily withdrawing the affected teddy bear for fixing.

As for whether additional barriers will be installed to prevent the public from touching the teddy bears, the organizers stated that since the purpose of the exhibition is to allow people to see the cute teddy bears up close, they currently have no plans to add barriers. However, they may consider increasing the number of patrol staff. At the same time, the organizers also call on the public to show care and jointly protect these teddy bears—avoid climbing on them or pulling their decorations to prevent personal injury and harm to the bears. If you see others trying to pull, climb, or touch the teddy bears, please help remind them to cooperate. The hope is for the teddy bears to leave behind wonderful memories during their exhibition in Taichung.

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