TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an on Monday (Jan. 29) announced a pay rise for over 200 conservation workers at the Taipei Zoo. The bonuses vary from NT＄3,000 to NT＄5,000, depending on the riskiness of the animals each worker cares for.
Chiang described in a Facebook post the challenging conditions of their work, such as hauling 40 kilograms of leaves for goats in the summer and working under cold water to care for fish during the winter. "It absolutely requires intelligence and professional physical labor," Chiang wrote.
Chiang pointed out that bonuses for high-risk duties at Taipei Zoo haven't been adjusted for more than 30 years, leading to increased work pressure and potentially leading to a brain drain that would hamper animal conservation efforts.
Since taking office, Chiang has actively sought to raise the wages of zookeepers. Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua has also advocated for the improvement of zookeeper conditions at executive committee meetings.
Chiang called for more people to pay attention to the welfare of zookeepers and animal protection issues. He also revealed plans for the 110th anniversary of the Taipei Zoo in 2024, hinting at a series of festivities and inviting everyone to participate.
With the pay increase, Taipei further positions itself as a city that respects the key roles of its workers in maintaining and promoting biodiversity.
