The way zoos and other facilities exhibit their exhibits today is amazing! I am sure that everyone has their own favorite places to visit, or they like to visit various places (facilities).
The other day, I heard Naoki Tanaka, a comedian known as one of the best animal lovers in the entertainment industry, talk about recommended zoos and aquariums on a radio program (TOKYO FM’s radio program “apollostation Drive Discovery PRESS”), He said that zoos and aquariums are very creative and interesting in the way they display their exhibits.
Yes, zoos and aquariums are now evolving their exhibition methods and environments in order to differentiate themselves from their competitors, and to provide enjoyment to their visitors. For example, a zoo that makes you feel as if you are watching animals in the savanna, or a zoo that makes you feel as if you are diving into the ocean to observe fish. Here we would like to introduce some of the zoos and aquariums that have differentiated themselves from the rest.
ZOORASIA （Yokohama)
ZOORASIA is a zoo in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, whose main theme is “Symbiosis of Life and Harmony with Nature. The nickname “ZOORASIA” is a composite of “ZOO” and “EURASIA,” which is an image of vast nature, and was chosen through public solicitation. It is one of the largest zoos in Japan that exhibits, breeds, and propagates wild animals from all over the world.
ZOORASIA is popular for its mixed exhibits. Mixed exhibit means to exhibit different kinds of animals in the same place. In an area that recreates the environment of the African savanna, carnivorous cheetahs and herbivorous animals such as zebras, giraffes, and eland are displayed together. In this way, visitors can observe the animals in more natural conditions.
New Enoshima Aquarium
As an “edutainment-type aquarium” where visitors can play and learn at the same time, the New Enoshima Aquarium is dedicated to reproducing Sagami Bay, a treasure trove of marine life, as it is in the exhibition method. In addition to recreating the environment, the shape of the tanks and the difference in elevation of the floor also allow visitors to get closer to the fish, making them feel as if they are walking through the sea to explore. In addition, the keeper and local fishermen have a close relationship, and they keep in touch when rare fish are landed to create unique exhibits.
Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium
Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Japan, located in Oarai-cho, Higashi-Ibaraki County, Ibaraki Prefecture. More than 50 species of sharks, which have become the symbol of this aquarium, are kept here, and the size of the tank dedicated to sunfish is the largest in Japan.
The Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium’s “IWASHI (sardines) LIFE” event, which was upgraded in May 2023, features a school of about 20,000 sardines that powerfully move through the waters of Ibaraki. Visitors can experience the “New World Sea of Life” through the aurora-like delicate and varied light effects and the powerful performance of sardines swarming to the background music. The sardine show is rare in that each fish is very small, but the sight of them swimming vigorously in a school is impressive.
Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo
Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, uses an exhibition method called “behavioral exhibits. Behavioral exhibits are exhibits that showcase the animals’ natural behavior and abilities. The exhibits are designed and set up in such a way that the animals can spend their time comfortably and their natural movements can be brought out. It also has an element of “ecological exhibition” that tries to show animals in their natural state as much as possible.
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a marine-themed amusement park complex located in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. It includes an aquarium, amusement park, shopping mall, restaurants, hotel, and marina.
The main attraction of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is the Aqua Museum (aquarium), which exhibits 120,000 items from 700 species, and one of the most recommended exhibition methods is LABO11 “Forestarium”. “Forestarium” allows visitors to closely observe the creatures not through conventional fences or acrylics, but at an ultra-close distance with nothing separating them. There are also lectures and feeding events to help visitors learn more about the creatures, and the exhibit is designed to be fun for children and adults alike.
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