Focus on the "creation of zoo space": A trip to the zoo that stimulates the intellectual curiosity of adults

The key point is how to display the animals. Each zoo has different ideas for creating the spaces where the animals spend their time, and these have mechanisms for various educational experiences.

In this article, we will introduce the zoo with a focus on its spatial presentation, and suggest ways for adults to enjoy the zoo beyond just admiring the animals.

How adults can enjoy zoos. Why we should pay attention to the "creation of space" at zoos.

The history of zoos is very old, and the keeping of wild animals is said to date back to the ancient Egyptian dynasty around 3000 BC. For many years, zoos were used as a form of spectacle, to demonstrate authority by displaying rare animals, or to teach them tricks to entertain humans. However, in the mid-20th century, voices calling for the conservation and protection of animals began to grow. At the same time, zoos began to exhibit the environments and ecology surrounding animals, evolving into facilities that convey the mystery and importance of life.

Thus, each zoo has become particular about the creation of its space, that is, "how to display the animals," and has begun to make efforts to allow visitors to learn something. For example, animals are not only introduced through panels, but there are also ingenious zoning and recreations of environments to show the animals' natural ecology... In other words, the creation of the space is packed with the lessons that each zoo wants to convey. By paying attention to these points, you will be able to understand the "fun of learning at a zoo."

Now, let's take a look at two zoos that have created unique spaces. We will introduce the characteristics of each zoo and what you can learn from them.

[Kanagawa] Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia: Learn about the natural environment and animal life around the world

Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia opened in 1999 with the main theme of "coexistence of life and harmony with nature." It is a large-scale zoo that is one of the largest in Japan, housing many rare animals from around the world, such as okapis and Japanese tree kangaroos.

The name "ZOORASIA" is a combination of the words "ZOO" and "Eurasia," which evokes the image of vast natural scenery.

The unique feature of the zoo's spatial design is that it is divided into eight zones based on the climate and region of the world, recreating the habitats of animals from around the world in zones such as "Japanese mountain villages," "Asian tropical forests," and "Oceania grasslands."

For example, in the "African Savannah" which opened fully in 2015, Grant's zebras, elands, giraffes and cheetahs coexist in the same space on a vast grassland, making it a miniature version of the savanna.

Each zone recreates the habitat of each animal, including the plants, allowing visitors to fully understand the environment surrounding the animal. At the same time, the dwellings and ruins of the people who live in the area are also displayed at key points, allowing visitors to experience the cultural aspects of the area. The worldview changes completely every time you move to the next zone, so if you wander around the area, you'll be able to see the cultural differences more clearly. By simply touring the zoo, you can learn about the natural environments of various parts of the world and the lives of animals.

Another key feature is the "panoramic exhibit," which allows visitors to get up close and personal with the animals without the use of cages or fences, and the "environmental enrichment" technique, which uses lots of rocks and plants to recreate the animals' natural habitats, allowing visitors to observe their natural behavior.

For example, on a hot day, you can find shady bushes to rest in, or wait in a place with a view of water and they'll suddenly appear. By getting up close and personal with animals living powerful lives in the wild, you can get a more realistic look at their ecology.

If you want to make learning at the zoo even more enjoyable, we recommend paying attention to the "Keeper's Voice." This is an information board near the zone where the animals live, and it contains information about the animals that the zookeepers in charge want to share with you. By reading the "Keeper's Voice" while observing the animals, you will be able to learn about aspects of animals that you did not know before.

In addition, the zookeepers also hold "Special Time" every day (except on closed days, currently canceled in August). You can watch the zookeepers feed the animals up close, and hear behind-the-scenes stories that only the zookeepers can know, such as the personalities of the animals.

Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia is one of the largest zoos in Japan, and has a lot to see, so you can enjoy it all day long. However, as the zoo will be operating while taking measures against the COVID-19 outbreak, you will need to make a reservation in advance to enter the zoo. Please check the official website before visiting.

Yokohama Zoo "Zoorasia"

[Osaka] Nifrel: A museum-like space where you can learn about unknown aspects of animals

Nifrel is a relatively new zoo in Japan that opened in 2015. It is an indoor zoo located in Expo Commemoration Park in Suita, Osaka. Called a "living museum," it is carrying out groundbreaking initiatives.

The name "Nifrel" comes from the concept of "touching the senses." There are eight zones, each with its own unique way of enjoying the area, such as "touching colors" and "touching crafts."

The theme of this zoo is "diversity." Although it does have an aspect of a zoo, it is operated by Osaka's Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of the world's largest aquariums, and is therefore home to many aquatic creatures, making it more like a museum where animals from both land and sea live.

The distinctive feature of the zoo's spatial design is that the entire zoo is neatly arranged like a museum, with a stylish layout, and the exhibits are designed to allow visitors to focus on individual animals.

This space allows visitors to learn about the diversity of each animal, just as the theme of the zoo states. Because you can look closely at each animal and see them from different angles, you can learn about the many different aspects of living things, such as the diversity of their colors, behaviors, and forms.

In addition, the zoo is unusual in that it is particular about lighting, video, and music, stimulating the senses of visitors and sprinkling mechanisms throughout the venue that allow visitors to feel the charm of the animals even more. One example is the installations inside the building. In the case of "Nifrel," these are used effectively not only for their visual beauty, but also to capture the characteristics of the animals.

Another feature of Nifrel is that the staff who look after the animals are called "curators." They are waiting on the floor like museum curators, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask them. This is one of the reasons why the zoo is said to be like a museum. By learning more about the ecology, characteristics, and personalities of each animal, you will be able to discover the mysteries of life.

Although Nifrel and Kaiyukan are far apart, they are both in Osaka Prefecture, just over an hour away by train. If you want to take your time enjoying each one, we recommend staying overnight and visiting them both.

Nifrel

We have introduced two zoos, "Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia" in the Kanto region and "Nifrel" in the Kansai region, which are completely different in location and concept. There are many other zoos in Japan. Why not visit the zoos in your travel destination and enjoy comparing the zoos in each region? Spending time learning will surely make your trip even more interesting.