Five Areas to Explore
The zoo is divided into four climate-themed zones and a dedicated Children’s Zoo. Each area introduces visitors to animals from different parts of the world, with enclosures designed to encourage observation of their natural behaviors. The variety makes the zoo an appealing destination for families, children, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Temperate Zone and Flying Cage
The Temperate Zone features animals suited to relatively mild climates, including several species native to Japan. One of its highlights is the impressive Flying Cage, a large aviary approximately 40 meters in diameter. Visitors can walk through this spacious enclosure while birds fly around them, creating a memorable opportunity to observe avian life at close range.
Birds found here include crowned cranes, scarlet ibises, and African sacred ibises. The zone also features red pandas, Japanese serows, and Japanese black bears, offering a closer look at some of Japan’s distinctive wildlife.
Tropical Zone
The Tropical Zone introduces animals from warmer regions, including Africa and South America. Popular residents include lion-tailed macaques, olive baboons, and chimpanzees. Visitors can also see powerful predators such as pumas.
Watching the primates move, interact, and explore their surroundings is a particular highlight, especially for younger visitors. The exhibits encourage guests to observe animal behavior and appreciate the diversity of life in tropical habitats.
Savanna Zone
The Savanna Zone recreates aspects of the African grasslands and features animals such as meerkats, Chapman’s zebras, and lions. Its spacious paddocks and mixed-species exhibits provide opportunities to observe different animals within the same broad habitat setting.
Lions are among the major attractions, while other animals associated with the zone include capybaras and marabou storks. The open setting gives visitors a chance to watch animals moving around and interacting with their environment.
Cold Climate Zone
The Cold Climate Zone is home to animals adapted to colder environments. Two of its most notable residents are the Andean condor, a magnificent bird of prey, and the polar bear, whose powerful build and swimming abilities make it a favorite among visitors.
The polar bear named Barley was particularly well known for her longevity, earning a special place in the zoo’s history. The Andean condor is also one of the zoo’s signature animals, admired for its enormous wingspan and commanding presence.
Children’s Zoo
The Children’s Zoo is designed to bring younger visitors closer to animals in a welcoming, interactive environment. Residents include Humboldt penguins, squirrel monkeys, guinea pigs, and llamas. Depending on the activities available on the day, children may have opportunities to interact with selected small animals.
Pony rides have also been offered as part of the family-friendly experience. This area is particularly popular with families because it encourages children to develop an interest in animals through direct observation and supervised activities. Visitors should check locally for current animal-contact opportunities and ride schedules.
The History of Tokushima Zoo
The zoo’s history dates back to 1957, when the original municipal zoo opened in Naka-Tokushima-cho, Tokushima City. That facility closed in 1997, and the zoo reopened at its present location within Tokushima City General Botanical and Zoological Park in 1998.
Since its relocation, the zoo has continued to serve as both a recreational attraction and an educational institution. Its Zoo Center supports learning activities related to animals and wildlife conservation. By 2013, cumulative attendance had exceeded four million visitors, reflecting its importance as a much-loved local attraction.
A Zoo with Changing Names
In April 2018, the zoo adopted the name Tokushima Zoo Kitajima Kensetsu no Mori through a naming-rights agreement. Following a renewed agreement in April 2023, its name changed to Tokushima Zoo STELLA PRESCHOOL ANIMAL KINGDOM.
These names reflect sponsorship arrangements, while the zoo itself remains a central part of Tokushima City’s wider botanical and zoological park.
Animals and Exhibits Not to Miss
Barley the Polar Bear
Barley, a female polar bear, became especially popular for her remarkable longevity. As of 2023, she was reported to rank fourth among the oldest polar bears in Japanese zoos. Her story has made her a memorable figure for regular visitors and animal lovers.
Otters at the Sui-Sui Pool
The Sui-Sui Pool provides a close-up view of small-clawed otters as they swim through the water. Their agile movements and playful behavior make this exhibit a favorite with visitors of all ages.
Meerkats and Their Underground World
The meerkat exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into the animals’ burrowing behavior. Through glass viewing areas, visitors can observe parts of their den environment and learn more about how these social animals use underground spaces.
Lions and Their Family
Lions named Leo and Moon, along with their offspring, have been among the zoo’s popular residents. Four lions were reported at the zoo as of November 2023. The Savanna Zone provides an opportunity to observe these impressive animals in a spacious setting and watch their movements and interactions.
The Capybara Group
Tokushima Zoo has also been known for its large capybara population. In 2022, the zoo reportedly housed 96 capybaras, making it the largest capybara group in a Japanese zoo at that time. The population has since decreased to approximately 30 animals.
Even with fewer individuals, watching these large South American rodents relax together remains a charming experience. Their calm temperament and leisurely behavior make them especially popular with families and visitors looking for a peaceful moment during their zoo visit.
Visitor Information and Access
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with admission until 4:00 p.m.
Regular closing day: Mondays. If Monday falls on a public holiday, the zoo generally closes the following day. The zoo is also closed during the year-end and New Year holiday period.
Admission: Adults, ¥600; junior high school students and younger children, free of charge. An annual pass is available for ¥1,500.
Public transportation: From Tokushima Station, take a bus for approximately 20 minutes and get off at Sōgō Dōshokubutsu Kōen-guchi (General Botanical and Zoological Park Entrance). Continue on foot to reach the park.
A Fun and Educational Day Out in Tokushima
Tokushima Zoo combines wildlife encounters, spacious green surroundings, and educational experiences in one family-friendly destination. From the birds flying through the large aviary to the lions of the Savanna Zone and the playful otters, each area offers a different perspective on the animal kingdom.
As part of Tokushima City General Botanical and Zoological Park, the zoo can also be combined with visits to the botanical garden and amusement park. It is an excellent choice for families and travelers seeking a relaxing break from sightseeing while discovering the natural world of Japan and beyond.