Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo
Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo is a small, admission-free municipal zoo located in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. It is particularly renowned for its significant population of red pandas, which are the official animal of the city and have a long history at the zoo, tracing back to a donation from Beijing Zoo in 1984. The zoo also houses other notable species, contributing to its local importance.
Key Facts
- ›Admission-free municipal zoo located on Nishiyama Park hill.
- ›Known for housing one of the largest groups of red pandas in Japan, with 11 individuals as of 2018.
- ›Red pandas are the official animal of Sabae City.
- ›Received initial red panda pair from Beijing Zoo in 1984.
- ›Also houses red-crowned cranes, François' langurs, lar gibbons, black squirrel monkeys, pheasants, Japanese cranes, and peafowl.
Red Panda Enclosure
Red Panda
About Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo
Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo, officially known as Sabae-shi Nishiyama Dōbutsuen, is a municipal zoo located in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Situated on a hill within Nishiyama Park, it is distinguished by its status as an admission-free facility. The zoo is particularly celebrated for its significant population of red pandas, a species that holds the distinction of being the official animal of Sabae City.
History and Red Pandas
The zoo's association with red pandas began with the donation of a breeding pair from Beijing Zoo in 1984. These animals arrived at the Nishiyama Zoo prior to its official opening the following year, in 1985. Since then, the red panda population has thrived, with the youngest individuals now representing the seventh generation descended from the original pair. As of 2018, the zoo housed eleven red pandas, making it home to one of the largest groups of this species in Japan.
Other Residents and Facilities
Beyond its famed red pandas, Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo has expanded its collection through further donations from Beijing Zoo. These included red-crowned cranes in 1985, François' langurs in 1987, and lar gibbons in 1991. The zoo's inhabitants also feature black squirrel monkeys, pheasants, Japanese cranes, and peafowl. The zoo is conveniently accessible, located approximately 0.5 km from both Nishi-Sabae Station and Nishiyama-Kōen Station. It operates daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm, with Mondays designated as its closing day.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo known for?
Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo is primarily known for its substantial population of red pandas, which are also the official animal of Sabae City. The zoo houses one of the largest groups of red pandas in Japan.
When was Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo founded?
The founding couple of red pandas arrived at Nishiyama Zoo before it officially opened the following year, which was 1985. Therefore, the zoo officially opened in 1985.
What animals can be found at Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo?
The zoo is most famous for its red pandas. It also houses red-crowned cranes, François' langurs, lar gibbons, black squirrel monkeys, pheasants, Japanese cranes, and peafowl.
Is there an admission fee for Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo?
No, Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo is an admission-free municipal zoo.
Where is Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo located?
Sabae Nishiyama Park Zoo is located in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, situated on a low hill within Nishiyama Park.
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