Taipei Pangolin 'Guo Bao' Relocates to Germany to Boost Conservation Efforts

A male Sunda pangolin named "Guo Bao," originally from Taipei Zoo, has successfully relocated to the Frankfurt Zoo in Germany. This move, which occurred in early June, is part of an international effort to expand the conservation of this critically endangered species. Guo Bao's relocation follows his significant contribution to pangolin breeding programs in Europe.

In 2022, Guo Bao was loaned to the Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic, along with a female pangolin. Their successful breeding in 2023 and 2024 resulted in two offspring, "Šiška" and "Connie." This marked the first time pangolins had been successfully bred in European zoos, establishing a crucial "satellite population" on the continent. The Taipei Zoo highlighted this achievement as a vital step in global conservation efforts.

Guo Bao's transfer to Germany was coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Pangolin Species Survival Plan. The goal is to further diversify the pangolin population and mitigate the risks associated with species survival by establishing a presence in a new environment. Frankfurt Zoo's Grzimek House, known for its extensive collection of nocturnal animals, has prepared thoroughly to accommodate Guo Bao, drawing on the expertise shared by the Prague and Taipei teams.

The Sunda pangolin is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List, primarily due to severe threats from poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Taipei Zoo, a leading institution in pangolin care and breeding, actively collaborates with international partners to raise global awareness about the plight of pangolins and combat illegal wildlife trafficking. Guo Bao's role as a "conservation ambassador" in Germany is expected to increase public awareness in Europe about the challenges facing pangolins in the wild.