Tama Zoo

Tama Zoological Park

Tama Zoological Park, commonly referred to as Tama Zoo, is a significant zoological institution located in Hino, Tokyo, Japan. Owned and operated by the government of Tokyo Metropolis, it was established on May 5, 1958. Initially conceived as a satellite facility for the Ueno Zoo, Tama Zoo was designed to leverage its considerable area of 52 hectares to provide animals with environments that allow for more naturalistic movement and behavior, a notable contrast to the more confined spaces of other urban zoos.

Animal Zones and Exhibits

The zoo is organized into distinct zones, including an Asian Zone, an African Zone, and an Australian Zone, each housing a variety of species representative of those regions. Among its specialized exhibits is the "Mole House," a unique, glass-covered earth and metal structure designed to allow visitors to observe the burrowing activities of Japanese moles and small Japanese moles.

Notable Residents

A particularly well-known resident of Tama Zoo is Anura, a male Asian elephant. As of 2025, Anura holds the distinction of being the oldest elephant living in Japan. Born in 1953 in the Dominion of Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), he was brought to Japan in 1956 and was originally housed at Ueno Zoo before being transferred to Tama Zoo in 1958. He was named in honor of Anura Bandaranaike, the son of Ceylon's then-prime minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike.

Access and Cultural References

Tama Zoo is easily accessible, with Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station serving both the Keiō Dōbutsuen Line and the Tama Toshi Monorail Line, located directly in front of the park's entrance. The zoo has also found its way into popular culture, notably being featured as "Hino Zoo" in the manga and anime series My Deer Friend Nokotan, and appearing as a filming location in the original Kamen Rider series.