TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Chung Hsing University held orientation for freshmen from Monday to Wednesday, incorporating guidance on how treat nearly 40 geese on campus.
The orientation included advice on how to respond if a goose gives chase. The university commented that geese typically do not attack people, but recommended that students walk away quickly if pursued, per CNA. Students were also reminded not to feed the geese, get too close, or catch them.
In June, a graduating senior at the university was taking a selfie by the campus lake when a black swan approached from behind and snatched his diploma. The document was later recovered without damage. Some students have also shared experiences of being pecked by the birds.
During orientation, the university also organized welcome activities led by senior students. These activities, which included riddles and campus games, were designed to help freshmen get familiar with the campus.
In 2023, a poultry breeding farm in Miaoli gave a pair of black swans to the university to celebrate the appointment of Principal Jan Fuh-jyh (詹富智). The two swans later made their home in Chung Hsing Lake on campus.
Jan said the university assigns staff daily to feed the campus geese. He added that the lake is rich in aquatic life and algae, making it a rare place to observe animals and plants within the city.
Monkeys from nearby Shoushan often enter the campus of National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung. They have been known to steal food from student dormitories, enter classrooms, and perch on scooters or cars. Some of the monkeys are not afraid of people and may become aggressive if confronted.
The university said it educates students on preventing food theft by monkeys, advising them to keep food out of sight. During freshman orientation, students also learn about monkey behavior and ways to respond.
Campus staff regularly patrol the grounds to deter the animals. The school also offers compensation of up to NT$100 (US$3) per meal if a student’s food is taken by a monkey.
