Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens, located in Higasi-ku, Kumamoto, Japan, is a significant zoological and botanical institution established in 1969. The park encompasses 24 acres and serves as a popular destination, attracting nearly 600,000 visitors in 2024. It plays a crucial role in public education, offering specialized programs for elementary and junior secondary school students, and also functions as a vital center for the conservation and display of diverse plant life.

History and Development

The origins of the Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens trace back to the Kumamoto Zoo, which first opened in 1929 within Suizen-ji Park. Due to the aging infrastructure of the original site, the zoo was relocated to its present location in 1969. The transition involved the closure of the old park on February 28, 1969, and the grand opening of the new facility on April 1 of the same year. A significant expansion of its scope occurred in 1986, when the zoo served as the "Animal Plaza" for the 4th National Urban Greening Fair, known as "Green Pick '86." Following the fair, the former plant zone was integrated into the zoo, leading to its renaming from "Kumamoto Zoo" to "Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Garden."

Impact of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes

The Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens experienced severe damage during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Reports indicated extensive harm from "soil liquefaction and ground fissures." This natural disaster necessitated the closure of the park. Rehabilitation efforts allowed for a partial reopening to the public ten months after the earthquakes, with a full reopening only achieved two years and eight months later.

Animal and Plant Collections

As of recent records, the zoological park houses approximately 550 animals across 110 species, including a variety of mammals, birds, and amphibians. The collection features exotic species such as lions and tigers. The botanical gardens are equally extensive, boasting 70,000 plants representing 700 species. A notable feature within the botanical section is the "Hana-no-Kyukeijo" greenhouse, which cultivates tropical and subtropical plants. A sloth is also housed in this greenhouse, and a flower field with a prominent clock tower stands in front.

Notable Past Residents and Initiatives

During the Pacific War, the zoo faced severe food shortages, leading to the Japanese army's order for the euthanasia of dangerous predators. An Indian elephant named Ellie was among the animals targeted and was ultimately electrocuted, a tragic event later memorialized in artistic works. More recently, in 2020, a statue of "Chopper," a character from the popular anime "One Piece," was installed at the park as part of an initiative to support the recovery of Kumamoto Prefecture following the 2016 earthquakes. The zoo also maintains public engagement through a monthly newsletter detailing updates on its animal residents.