TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Zoo commissioned the city’s Zhongshun Temple to conduct a ritual at the zoo on Wednesday to honor deceased animals, a ceremony traditionally held for the dead during the Ghost Festival.

In Chinese culture, the seventh lunar month is known as Ghost Month, a time when the spirits of the deceased are believed to return from the underworld. To honor ancestors and appease wandering souls, people traditionally hold prayer rituals on the 15th day of the month.

The zoo said that it prepared animal feed as offerings to honor the animals that passed away during the past two years, including the African elephant Meidai, the brown bear Little Chiao, and the white rhino Ximin. It hopes the event will help visitors appreciate the value of life and look forward to new beginnings, per CNA.

Little Chiao was first diagnosed with a tumor in 2023, and although it was removed, the cancer spread to her lungs. A second surgery in March failed to fully remove the tumor, and by August, she was experiencing labored breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite. As her condition worsened, the veterinary team decided to euthanize her.

In February, Meidai began showing unusual movement in her left leg and was treated with joint medication. Her condition worsened in June, as she exhibited signs of stress, was unable to stand, and developed a high fever. Despite being treated with antibiotics, her condition did not improve, and the veterinary team decided to euthanize her.

Ximin began experiencing eating difficulties in January 2024 and lost 300 kilograms over the past year. She was treated with nutritional supplements and medication, but her condition worsened, showing signs of labored breathing, reduced mobility, and organ failure. Ximin passed away in September 2024 at the age of 44 due to multiple organ failure.

The zoo added that it will continue to work with its veterinary team to care for the animals. It will also hold events to document each stage of their growth.