The Curious Escape of Blackie the Anteater at Taipei Zoo

In May 2026, Taipei Zoo began searching for an unexpected escapee: a nearly 12‑year‑old female lesser anteater named Blackie. The animal disappeared shortly after entering her outdoor enclosure, prompting an unusual public alert and a coordinated search across parts of the zoo and nearby areas.

The Moment Blackie Went Missing

According to zoo officials, surveillance footage shows Blackie entering the outdoor activity area at 6:15 p.m. on May 18. Later that evening, around 6:55 p.m., cameras captured her moving near a visitor path beside a bromeliad plant area. After that moment, she vanished from view.

Caretakers realized the next morning that she was not present in either the indoor or outdoor enclosure, triggering an investigation and review of CCTV footage.

How She Likely Escaped

After examining the enclosure, zoo staff reconstructed a probable escape route.

Blackie is believed to have climbed a banana tree inside the enclosure, which then bent or broke under her weight. The damaged tree apparently formed a makeshift bridge connecting to a nearby artificial rock structure, allowing her to reach areas outside the intended boundary of the habitat.

Because the outdoor environment is designed with plants and climbing structures to mimic natural habitats and encourage animal activity, vegetation can sometimes function like elevated pathways for agile climbers.

The Search Effort

Once the escape was confirmed, Taipei Zoo launched a large search operation. Measures taken include:

• Dozens of organized searches, involving roughly 65 staff members over two days scanning areas around the zoo.
• Reviewing surveillance footage to track her last known movements.
• Installing six automatic cameras around the tropical rainforest section to detect movement.
• Setting four trap cages designed to safely capture the anteater if she returns.
• Increasing patrols and monitoring along zoo paths and nearby forested zones.

Despite these efforts, Blackie had not yet been located in the latest reports.

Why Finding Blackie Is So Difficult

Several characteristics of lesser anteaters make the search especially challenging.

• Nocturnal behavior: They are primarily active at night, meaning Blackie may move when visibility and monitoring are lower.
• Timid temperament: The species is generally shy and avoids humans, making it more likely to hide than approach people.
• Excellent climbing ability: With strong claws and a prehensile tail, lesser anteaters can climb trees and remain concealed high in foliage or dense vegetation.

During the daytime, she may remain hidden in thick greenery or elevated spots that are difficult for search teams to see.

What Visitors Should Do If They Spot Her

Taipei Zoo has asked visitors and hikers in nearby areas to help—but cautiously.

If someone sees Blackie, the zoo advises them to:

• Keep a safe distance
• Do not chase, startle, or try to capture her
• Report the sighting immediately to zoo staff so trained personnel can respond

Officials warn that frightening the animal could cause her to climb higher or retreat into more concealed areas, making recovery even harder.

An Unusual Search for a Quiet Escape Artist

Blackie is considered an older individual for her species—about 11 years and 10 months old, slightly beyond the typical 9–10 year lifespan recorded in the wild.

Although she is not considered dangerous to people, her disappearance has turned into a delicate search operation as zoo staff try to locate a small, shy, tree‑climbing animal in a landscape full of hiding places. For now, the mystery of Blackie’s quiet escape—and where she might be hiding—remains unsolved.