Recommended for such people
・ I plan to go to Hokkaido
・ I want to go to Asahiyama Zoo once
What is Asahiyama Zoo?
Asahiyama Zoo is a zoo located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido.
It is a facility that has created a boom of "behavioral exhibitions" that show the original appearance of nature by making the best use of the abilities and habits of animals.
I would like to introduce you to Asahiyama Zoo.
Asahiyama Zoo's commitment
Handwritten pop full of love for animals
Most of the explanations at Asahiyama Zoo are handwritten.
From a little question to a maniac thing, what the keeper wants to convey is written.
The richness of the commentary is one of the best in Japan.
"Telling is life"
Asahiyama Zoo has a philosophy of "I want you to be able to think about animals and environmental conservation by getting to know the original appearance of animals."
That thought will lead to an "behavioral exhibition" where you can learn about the characteristics of animals in an environment close to nature.
How many facilities in Japan have declared that zoos are "a place where animals are trapped by human ego" as well as beautiful goto?
(I feel like I'm looking for something that the zoo can do after understanding all that.)
Highlights of Asahiyama Zoo
Now, let me introduce you to the highlights of Asahiyama Zoo.
Polar bear
Speaking of snowy countries (?), It's a polar bear.
The appearance of sitting in a well-behaved manner was cute like a dog.
You can also see it from the dome-shaped window called "Shields Eye".
It was a little disappointing that the dome was a little dirty.
Penguin
This is also a penguins with the image of a snowy country.
It seems that there are 4 types of penguins, but I only know about 2 patterns ... (4 types of King Penguins, Gentoo Penguins, Humboldt Penguins, and Rockhopper Penguins)
Mogumogu time
There is a time zone called "mogumogu time" to feed the animals, so try to watch it as much as possible.
The schedule is posted in the park.
It corresponds perfectly, looking at the camera.
Spotted seal
It is a harbor seal.
It seemed to be very comfortable.
It is a columnar aquarium called "Marine Way" that was introduced to Asahiyama Zoo and became famous.
However, if the timing is not right, the seals will not pass easily.
I passed when I was about to give up and leave, so the photo was a little blurry.
Red panda
It's everyone's favorite, the red panda.
This is the best of the "action exhibition", and various items are placed so that the red panda can demonstrate its abilities.
Moreover, it will play properly.
There is also a suspension bridge, and there are almost no fences, but there is no escape.
Red pandas like high places and are very cautious, so they only go to their own territory.
Was the red panda's belly black to make it harder to find from below?
Certainly, it is a reaction like "Why are humans not climbing?"
Giraffe
Speaking of zoos, Kirin is the place to visit, but Asahiyama Zoo is a bit different.
You can look up from the glass room at the feet of the giraffe.
You can see the giraffe very close.
It was so powerful that I thought for the first time that a giraffe is like a dragon.
Other animals
Other famous animals such as lions, hippopotamus, and capybaras are bred.
Let me briefly introduce other animals.
Desert Warthog
It is a desert warthog that is familiar in the line king.
I thought, "I don't see many desert warthogs at zoos," and found that they were extremely rare creatures that were bred only at Asahiyama Zoo and Fuji Safari Park in Japan.
I think it's okay to push it a little more.
Also, even if it is to get closer to the natural environment, it is difficult to clean it at all.
Snowy owl
It is a snowy owl that became famous in the Harry Potter movie.
In the wild, it lives in the tundra area, which is a very cold area, and it is said that it is rarely seen in Hokkaido.
I have a dream.
Shinrin wolf
The largest wolf, the eastern wolf.
For some reason he was posing all the time.
The highest point is probably the boss.
Admission and travel time
Admission is 1000 yen for adults and 1400 yen for the annual pass. (I live in Kansai, but I bought an annual pass.)
It takes about 3 hours to go around slowly.
Although it is a facility in Hokkaido, it is not surprisingly large, so you can take a walk freely.
If you stick to the "mogumogu time" time to feed the animals, you will have to go back and forth in the park with many slopes, so I do not recommend it very much.
Access
If you go by train or bus, it takes about 3-4 hours from Sapporo station.
Looking at the map, it seems like it's close to Sapporo, but it's because of my feelings.
If you want to relax, we also recommend a bus tour from Sapporo.
(A blue pond is also included as a set)
[From Sapporo] Asahiyama Zoo + Blue Pond Bus Tour: Reservation Site
Finally
Asahiyama Zoo is said to be the harshest zoo in Japan, and at one point it was in danger of being closed.
However, thanks to the efforts of the mayor of Asahikawa and the zookeepers at that time, we will succeed in the "action exhibition," which was rare in Japan.
In 2006, the number of monthly visitors was the highest in Japan, beating the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo.
(In such a northern land ...)
Recently, the boom has settled down, and "behavioral exhibitions" have been introduced to zoos nationwide, and the special feeling has disappeared, but the love for animals that became the driving force is still alive.
Please visit once.