Izu Shaboten Zoo

Izu Shaboten Zoo is a notable zoological park and botanical garden situated in Itō, Shizuoka, Japan. Established in 1959, the zoo has gained recognition for its unique attractions, particularly its capybara exhibits and extensive succulent greenhouses.

History and Naming

The zoo was founded in 1959 on the Izu Peninsula. Its name, "Shaboten," is an older Japanese term that commonly referred to cacti, though the more prevalent term today is "saboten." The zoo retained its original name since its inception.

Animal Collection

Izu Shaboten Zoo is home to approximately 800 animals representing 140 different species. The collection includes a variety of animals such as monkeys, parrots, flamingos, fennec foxes, penguins, peacocks, kangaroos, sloths, anteaters, coatis, and red pandas.

Capybaras and the "Capybara Bath"

A significant highlight of the zoo is its capybara population. The "capybara bath," a hot spring where visitors can observe the capybaras, was initiated in 1982 after an employee noticed the animals congregating in a warm puddle. This practice has since become a signature feature, with employees preparing warm yuzu baths for the capybaras during winter and early spring. Izu Shaboten Zoo is credited as the first to implement this concept, which has since been adopted by other zoos.

Animal Interactions and Shows

The zoo offers engaging visitor experiences through boat tours and animal shows. Two boat tours are available: "Around the Lake," which circumnavigates the zoo's lake with a guide, and "Monkey Island," where visitors can feed monkeys. Additionally, the zoo hosts animal shows featuring dogs, parrots, and monkeys.

Succulent Greenhouses

Izu Shaboten Zoo boasts an impressive collection of succulents, with over 1,500 different species of cacti and other succulents housed in five greenhouses. These are arranged along a pathway and include the Mexico Greenhouse (the largest, featuring cacti from Mexico and surrounding regions), the Madagascar Greenhouse (with aloe and other succulents), the Forest Cacti Greenhouse (displaying jungle cacti), the South America Greenhouse, and the Africa Greenhouse (which includes plants from Africa and the dragon blood tree from Yemen). At the end of the greenhouses, visitors can find a garden where they can purchase pots and select cacti and succulents.

Amenities

The zoo provides several amenities for visitors, including five restaurants: Bell Station, Café Sherry, Chao, Gibbontei (also known as the Forest Animal Restaurant), and Hanamasubi. The Forest Animal Restaurant is particularly noted for its themed menu items, such as a capybara-shaped hamburger and cactus-shaped curry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant notably used large plush capybaras to enforce social distancing.