Translated by Cara Steenstra

News Released by Government Information Office

Release Date: 2006-3-20

Taichung City's "Taichung Park" has become a landmark of Taichung City. It has also become an ideal location for ecological protection and natural science education. It has been attracting many tourists. During the 119th Manager's Report Meeting on March 20th, Mayor Jason Hu pointed out security efforts need to be reinforced.

There was an incident of a police officer being attacked by a homeless person in Taichung Park recently. Mayor Hu believes that security efforts ought to be stepped up. Mentally disturbed homeless people who roam the area carrying knives or weapons ought to be controlled to prevent these people from becoming unpredictable time bombs. Taichung Park has a long history and has long become an ideal location for ecological protection and natural science education. Information should be organized under the direction of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, to set up an excellent tourist guidance system. Under the supervision of the Environmental Protection Bureau, the Homemakers Association already has members giving talks in the park every Saturday and Sunday. These guidance talks will also be included in the system.

In an effort to beautify Taichung Park, the City Government released over 800 koi into the park pond at the beginning of March. However, it was discovered that night herons have been attacking the koi. Mayor Hu has asked the Construction Bureau to consult experts to find ways of preventing this from happening.

Construction Bureau Chief Wang Dan-Sheng expressed that there have always been night herons living in Taichung Park. Since the night herons are attracted by the colorful koi, and the koi are still unfamiliar with the park environment, making them an easy target. The koi that have been released earlier this month are all rather small and easily hunted by the night herons. Efforts have been made to keep the night herons away, it is also hoped that the koi would learn to alert one another and avoid being hunted by the night herons.