Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, known in Japanese as Higashiyama Dōshokubutsuen, is a comprehensive zoological and botanical park located in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan. Established in 1937, it has grown to become one of Asia's largest attractions, encompassing not only a zoo and botanical garden but also an amusement park.

Key Features and Collections

Higashiyama Zoo is distinguished by its extensive collection of species, housing 469 different types, which is the highest number of species of any zoo in Japan. The zoo's animal collection includes diverse habitats and enclosures designed to accommodate a wide range of animals. Notable among these are the Zo-dium, one of Japan's largest Asian elephant habitats, and the Bear House, which shelters four species of bears. Visitors can also observe Humboldt penguins and southern rockhopper penguins in the Penguin House, and the African Forest complex is home to chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas, including the well-known silverback gorilla, Shabani.

The botanical gardens complement the zoo with a focus on wild flora, featuring a greenhouse, an insect hall, and a traditional Japanese garden. For panoramic views of Nagoya, the Higashiyama Sky Tower stands tall, offering observation decks and a restaurant situated 100 meters above ground.

Visitor Experience and Recognition

Higashiyama Zoo is open daily except for Mondays and charges a modest admission fee. Its popularity is underscored by its visitor numbers; as of 2010, it was the second most visited zoo in Japan, trailing only Ueno Zoo in Tokyo. The zoo has also gained cultural recognition, with the logo for its koala exhibit being designed by the renowned manga artist Akira Toriyama in 1984. The zoo's relationship with Sydney, its sister city, has facilitated its success in housing and breeding koalas.

Notable Animals

Among its inhabitants, Shabani the gorilla garnered significant international attention in 2015. Media outlets described him as "handsome" and "metrosexual," which led to a notable increase in young female visitors to the zoo. This highlights how individual animals can become focal points of public interest and contribute to a zoo's appeal.