Kaohsiung's Shoushan Zoo prepares for World Book Day

高雄壽山動物園為世界閱讀日（World Book Day）做準備

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung's Shoushan Zoo is celebrating World Book and Copyright Day by turning reading into a playful experience for its primates, creating edible books filled with hidden treats, per a press release.

Ahead of the April 23 observance, zoo staff are placing sunflower seeds between sheets of cardboard designed to resemble books, encouraging chimpanzees to “read” while foraging for snacks. The sight of chimpanzees engrossed in the makeshift books drew laughter from visitors, many of whom watched the animals appear to pore over pages while actually picking out seeds hidden inside.

The zoo first introduced the edible books concept last year as part of the global celebration established by UNESCO. The date also commemorates the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.

It also coincides with Saint George's Day, a festival observed in Spain, known as the Day of Books and Roses. The tradition, inspired by the legend of Saint George slaying a dragon, involves exchanging books and red roses with loved ones.

Tourism Bureau Director-General Kao Min-lin (高閔琳) said the edible books are made from recycled cardboard boxes and tailored to chimpanzees’ preferences. Sunflower seeds, a favorite snack, are placed within the pages to encourage the animals to use both their hands and engage their problem-solving abilities, per a press release.

One chimpanzee, Manhua (曼華), was seen gathering several books at once before climbing to a perch to enjoy them. Another, Lizhong (莉忠), picked up what appeared to be a newspaper-like bundle, appearing to scan its help-wanted pages, amusing onlookers. Zoo staff joked that it was fortunate the chimpanzees could not read, or they might be out of a job.