Since the trunk of Elephant Trunk Rock broke off, it has been reborn as the Capybara Rock.
Tourists braved strong winds and long lines for the opportunity to get a photo with the natural Capybara Rock formation in Shen’ao on the Ruifang Coast. The district office also prepared props, including oranges and gold ingots, for visitors to hold in their pictures.
On December 16 last year, the trunk of the landmark formerly known as Elephant Trunk Rock broke off and fell into the sea. In an unexpected turn of events, the now trunkless rock has become a popular new attraction, as it has taken on the shape of a capybara.
The evolution of Elephant Trunk Rock has been popular with children, who think it’s cuter than ever. A family of little round capybara statues now occupies the parking lot, as well.
While the rock’s evolution from elephant to capybara is certainly a peculiar one, it seems to have carved out a new niche among Taiwan’s tourist attractions.
Hanna Bilinski for RTI News