Taipei Zoo

Today is May 22, International Day of Biological Diversity. In keeping with the theme of “Our Solutions are in Nature” chosen for the 2020 International Day of Biological Diversity, Taipei Zoo used a pavilion on the central walk in order to host the “Sustainable canteen” exhibition. Everyday examples from agriculture, forestry, fishery, and livestock farming are used to reinforce the message that the answer to the sustainable development of human society lies in learning from nature. After hosting a special exhibition for “Biological Diversity and Rainforest Supermarket - Rainforest on the Shelf” in 2019, Taipei Zoo upped the ante this year by presenting “Rainforest on the Shelf - Orangutan Supermarket.” The comic takes a humorous look at the rainforest fires as well as the relationship between rainforests, wildlife, and mankind. The comic encourages people to consciously shop in an environmentally friendly manner.
This year (2020) happened to be the 50th anniversary of “Earth Day.” as well. Despite the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, industrialized factories have continued to spring up around the world creating air pollution and damaging the Ozone Layer. Though people want less pollution and damage, they also seek a more material life. This year, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) seemed to give the Earth a short break. All the blue skies, white clouds, and green trees that keep getting blocked by smog have been seen once again! Taipei Zoo hopes that this change will remind people to think about their actions and make changes. For International Day of Biological Diversity on May 22, we invite everyone to join us in learning from nature and embrace sustainable living with all creation.
Many of the items that we often use or can’t do without contain raw materials from the rainforests. Palm oil, for example, is the most widely used type of oil in the world. The future of tropical rainforests and their animal denizens do not need to be sacrificed for the production of palm oil. However, the “Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil” (RSPO), established in 2004, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the “World Association of Zoos and Aquariums” on promoting the sustainable development of palm oil. It is hoped that consumer pressure can be put on palm oil producers to make them take environmental and social responsibility. RSPO-certification for palm oil products means that their production process did not damage the biodiversity of rainforests. The choices we make is a vote for our future!  How to select merchandise that is friendly to the natural environment? Start by visiting “Rainforest on the Shelf: Orangutan Supermarket!”
The products and resources we use for food, clothing, accommodation, travel and everyday life depend on the agricultural, forestry, fishery, and livestock industries. As a part of the natural environment, we should shop smart by practicing “eat local seasonal food,” “not wasting food,” and “reduce or eliminate waste.” The carbon footprint of human manufacturing must be greatly reduced so that more natural environments and animal habitats can be preserved. We can then leave future generations a sustainable future shared with all creation.

• Exhibition Introduction: “Our Solutions are in Nature” uses everyday examples from agriculture, forestry, fishery, and livestock farming to reinforce the message that the answer to the sustainable development of human society lies in learning from nature. “Rainforest on the Shelf - Orangutan Supermarket” is a continuation of “Biological Diversity and Rainforest Supermarket - Rainforest on the Shelf” special exhibition. The comic takes a humorous look at the rainforest fires as well as the relationship between rainforests, wildlife, and mankind. People are encouraged to consciously shop in an environmentally friendly manner.
• Exhibition Time: Starting from 10:00AM, May 22 (Fri)
• Exhibition Location: Sustainability Pavilion, Central Walk
• RSPO Theater (8-cell comic): Orangutans and Palm Oil