REVIEW: Toba Aquarium

Location: Toba, Mie, Japan

Website: http://www.aquarium.co.jp/english/

Highlights: Animal feedings (sea otters, sea lions), Japan river exhibits

Photos: Nov 2015

Children Friendly (9): A fun atmosphere for kids, lots to see and do. Most exhibits are at their level and easy to see the animals. Mostly indoors and not huge means little legs will be able to walk through it all before getting tired. It also wouldn’t consume your entire day going there unless you’re really taking your time. There are a couple more interactive areas for kids to explore.

Animal Diversity (9): Their diversity is actually one of their main selling/advertising points – the most diverse aquarium in Japan (and I would argue the world?). I was amazed by their diversity! They definitely highlighted Japanese animals, more specifically local ones which I appreciated. They had an impressive range of fish, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and even some birds! They did a good job of showcasing animals which were not necessarily fully aquatic but still fit into an aquarium setting.

Animal Viewing (9): This aquarium also did well in this category. Almost all the animals advertised were on display/easy to see. Quite a few of the exhibits had multiple viewing areas, viewing from multiple sides, and/or multi-level viewing. Tanks which did not have any of the previously listed features often had large viewing screens making it still easy for viewing by multiple guests at a time.

Animals Happiness (4): This category was the aquariums biggest downfall. While the smaller aquariums were really well done and showcased very natural environments for the animals within, the larger exhibits were lacking quite a bit. Particularly the aquatic mammals such as the dolphins, seals, and walruses, the tanks were quite small and lacking in enrichment items. While it looks like they’ve taken considerable care in smaller exhibits, they need to spend some serious time and effort making the larger animals exhibits equally as enriched. If this means reducing their diversity to do so I think it would be to their benefit.

Photography (7): Lighting was done quite well in the aquarium and photography in general was pretty good. Some of the glass dirty or had quite a bad glare making it hard to get good photos. Having multiple levels/sides to exhibits helped this a little. Water clarity in some tanks also made it somewhat difficult to achieve clear pictures.

Layout/Map (7): The map was well done and showed the facility quite well. It did not list all the animals but did let you know the main features in each section. In terms of the layout that is where I took some points away. They have signs stating there is no suggested route and you are free to roam which in some ways can be good but also makes it difficult to navigate the aquarium a bit. With multiple floors and the entrance being in the middle (both vertically and horizontally) I imagine many guests end up missing an entire floor or wing quite easily.

Hours (8): Open year round and what appears to be every day the hours are fairly good. For a mainly indoor facility I expect longer hours into the evening, even if that means having limited access to the outdoor areas.

Price (6): The price was fairly high, especially considering the typically low prices of zoos in Japan. While they do have quite a large variety of animals and you can spend a significant amount of time here, the quality of the larger exhibits needs to be higher for this kind of price.

Food (8): There are a number of food options at the aquarium including sit down eating as well as more fast food type options. The food appeared to be mainly Japanese style at the restaurants with set meals. Prices weren’t too bad but I’d like to see a bit more variety.

Website (9): Their main Japanese website it done quite well with lots of information and graphics. Their photos on the website are quite accurate of what you will see in person which is great. Their English website is in need of some updating, while it is sufficient it is in no way comparable to the Japanese version.

Gift Shop (10): There were multiple gift shops in the aquarium, large and small ones. They had great variety in their souvenirs with products for both adults and children. I greatly appreciated their focus on animals they indeed had at the aquarium with items representing all the categories of animals which was great. They also had some smaller stores with products more representative of the area of Toba itself, for example pearls, which is a great touch.

Quiet Areas (8): Being a mainly indoor facility this tends to be a more difficult area to score really well in, but they did quite well. Some of the levels were quieter than others and they had benches throughout the floors for guests to sit and take a break. There were also a number of bathrooms throughout.

Safety/Cleanliness (7): The main area they lost points in this category is the high number of open top tanks. This makes it quite easy for guests to drop things in, purposely put hands in, or anything along those lines. There were also touch tanks in the outdoor area with minimal signage and some species which should maybe be monitored with guests more than they were.

Extras (7): From what I can tell they have a number of extras at the aquarium. They have a sea lion show as well as multiple feedings throughout the day for different animals. The feedings/keeper talks I did see were also long which was nice, if you arrive a couple minutes after the scheduled time you will still be able to see quite a bit. On their website they do have an events page but not much was listed the times I have checked, it may be a slow time of year but more events or programs would be a huge plus.

Overall (7.7): The aquarium was pretty well done, although its location is out of the way for most people visiting Japan, their animal diversity alone makes it worth a visit. I was able to see a number of species I have never seen before and their smaller exhibits were very well done.

Read Full Post »

REVIEW: Sumida Aquarium

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Website: www.sumida-aquarium.com/en/

Highlights: Natural Aquascape tanks, Penguins

Photos: Sept 2015

Children Friendly (7): I wouldn’t describe this aquarium as geared towards children. Children would still enjoy it I’m sure but it doesn’t have the interpretive areas and fun cartoon graphics of other aquariums and zoos. Many exhibits are on a child’s level and the penguins especially would entertain them. Some tanks many children would be tempted to touch or put their hands in (which I happened to witness on my trip).

Animal Diversity (3): Being an aquarium it naturally has less variety than other zoos. It does have penguins and fur seals which does add some larger animal diversity. Japanese species are well represented.

Animal Viewing (9): Animal viewing was quite good, many of the tanks had viewing from all sides which was great. The penguins and fur seals had a walkway above which allowed viewing. Some exhibits were quite low which is great for kids but older guests would have trouble viewing.

Animals Happiness (8): The tanks seemed quite clean and well maintained with natural environments. I would like to see a larger exhibit for the fur seals with some more enrichment. I also removed a mark as some exhibits have a lack of cover for the fish (ex. the tanks with viewing from all sides).

Photography (6): The photography in aquariums can be quite tricky sometimes with the lighting and I found this one especially so. The overhead lighting was quite dark which did make the exhibits pop, but when you got to the penguins and seals and the lower level it was too dark. Also with their main area of tanks that allow viewing from all sides it could be quite difficult to get shots without other guests in the background.

Layout/Map (8): A one way route through the aquarium was fairly well laid out especially considering the location. The multi-level worked well for the larger main exhibits but I feel some exhibits could be easily missed on the lower level. Good signage inside showed directions which was appreciated.

Hours (10): Great hours! Open every day of the year and great hours everyday, 9am-9pm. Works well for tourists and frequent visitors alike.

Price (5): Fairly steep pricing, especially considering the prices of zoos in Japan tend to be quite cheap. This is one of the top tourist areas in Tokyo with Skytree in the same complex, BUT for the size of the aquarium I feel it was too expensive. Discounts are available for students and children. Memberships were a decent deal being double the single entry price.

Food (7): Even with the aquariums small size and huge selection of restaurants nearby they do have one inside which surprised me. They offered a decent variety of food and desserts but if a full meal for a family is required you might want to check out somewhere else. The gift shop also had quite a bit of snack options.

Website (9): The website is quite well done, giving visitors a good idea of what the aquarium will be like. Simple layout and easy to navigate are a huge plus. The only thing it is missing is information about events or seasonal changes.

Gift Shop (10): The gift shop was quite large and had great diversity in types of souvenirs and species showcased. They had great educational products, souvenirs for children, small and large gifts. The aquarium has a very simple, classy logo and it works well for merchandise. Adults and children alike will be able to find something they want to take home.

Quiet Areas (9): Although it is small the aquarium did do a decent job with providing benches and seating to take a break. Rooms are available for nursing moms away from crowds, as well as multiple changing tables throughout the aquarium. Due to its location there are definitely going to be times where it will feel overcrowded I’m sure.

Safety/Cleanliness (8): The aquarium was very clean, both for guests as well as the animals. Entirely indoors, it is well kept and modern. In terms of safety some tanks have open tops which can be dangerous for small children or overly curious guests. There are also stairs in the aquarium which could be troublesome for elderly guests.

Extras (6): There were not many extras noticeable throughout the aquarium in terms of interpretive stations, talks, or demonstrations. No events are listed online either. They do have an area which is said to host workshops but there was not one taking place when I visited. There are a couple behind the scenes areas showing the growth of jellyfish and other species which was quite interesting.

Overall (7.5): Overall I did enjoy this aquarium quite a bit. It was the classiest aquarium (or zoo) I’ve been to and it was an enjoyable way to spend an evening. It wouldn’t be my first suggestion for families but it would be great for a date!

Read Full Post »

REVIEW: Ueno Zoo

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Website: www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/

Highlights: Gorilla exhibit, Nocturnal animals

Photos: Sept 2015

Children Friendly (6): The zoo is fairly large which involves quite a bit of walking, including some hills. For some exhibits viewing areas are at a higher level than small children. There is a Children’s Zoo area but I feel more interactive spots throughout the zoo would make it more children friendly as a whole. Some barriers would be quite easy for a child to cross if parents were not paying attention.

Animal Diversity (10): Quite a large collection of animals representing mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians well. Their species represent many different regions as well. Not only do they have all the major zoo draws but also some species I do not see often.

Animal Viewing (7): There were a couple of exhibits where I was unable to spot the animal, and a couple where it was very difficult to see them. Some exhibits this was due to awkward lines of sight from the viewing windows. I did appreciate having indoor viewing areas for the rhinos, giraffes, and hippos.

Animals Happiness (7): Most exhibits looked well done in terms of natural looking environments with plenty of shade and suitable vegetation. Some however were in need of updating such as the penguin and seal exhibits. Some animals were also seen methodically pacing, the tiger and sun bear most notably.

Photography (6): Although indoor areas provide viewing even when the animal is not on exhibit, they tend to not have the greatest photographic potential. Some outdoor exhibits were a little difficult as well with fencing choices.

Layout/Map (7): The map itself was quite good, very accurate to the layout of the actual zoo with animal icons which were also found throughout the zoo. A clear, colourful map. The layout was very disorganized. It was kind of separated by region, kind of by taxonomy, but not enough of either to make any real sense. The East Gardens especially had a lot of cross pathways making it easy to get disoriented and potentially missing exhibits.

Hours (7): The zoo is closed every Monday which is the main reason its score was reduced. If a holiday lands on the Monday it will be closed the following day, still reducing its open days for that week. Its daily hours are pretty standard, with slightly extended hours during the summer.

Price (10): The price is EXCELLENT. Not only are general admission prices only 600 yen (less than $10 Cdn) but they offer some amazing discounts on top of that for seniors, students aged 13-15, and groups. Children up to the age of 12, junior high students living or studying in Tokyo, and guests with disabilities and their attendant all receive free admission. These awesome rates are also reflected in their membership programs. They also have three set days a year that admission is free for everyone.

Food (6): The restaurant areas were not as frequent or big as expected for the size of the zoo. The menu options were also somewhat limited, offering some standard fast food, children friendly options. The quality of the food was lacking a bit I found. Foreign visitors would also be expecting larger portions considering the price.

Website (8): The website is quite well done, very simply laid out and easy to navigate. I do appreciate that the website gives a short history of the zoo and key features. I think adding more descriptive animal information and pictures would greatly enhance their website. Also news and event information would be appreciated as well.

Gift Shop (7): There were a number of gift shops which was nice but they were rather small and products were a little limited. Having feature animals is common in zoos but I found they focused too much on these and having a bit more variety would serve them well. In terms of types of products offered they had a decent variety, but more options in clothing especially would be nice.

Quiet Areas (8): I visited on a holiday weekend which was quite busy but I feel on a regular day there would be some great options. Even despite the crowds when I was there, there were moments to myself and areas which felt quieter. They also have designated rest areas and benches throughout the zoo.

Safety/Cleanliness (7): As mentioned earlier some barriers were not overly safe, most notably the indoor pygmy hippo exhibits. It would be easy for guests (especially children) to cross into the exhibit and be potentially injured. There are a couple of steeper hills which can cause concerns for strollers or wheelchairs.

Extras (6): One of the great extras I noticed was a portable information system which provides information about the animals and zoo as you make your way through. Available in a couple different languages I think this is an awesome idea which would be great at other zoos as well. There are a number of sculptures and monuments throughout the zoo which add to the zoo.

Overall (7.3): The zoo was enjoyable with a great variety of animals. I would like to return on day when it is not as busy and I can spend more time at the exhibits. Certain displays are in need of updating but considering the price of the zoo you’ll have a good time regardless.

Read Full Post »

FEATURE: Capybara

It’s feature time! The next animal I’d like to feature is the largest rodent in the world – the capybara! Native to Central and South America, the capybara is actually fairly stable in their numbers and relatively easy to keep in captivity. Males reach up to 150 pounds which is quite large considering fellow species in the rodent category (mice, squirrels, porcupines, beavers, etc). Similar to some other rodents they are often found in family groups, usually around 10-20 individuals large. Females produce 4-5 young per litter and they are communally nursed and raised by the females of the group.

Their common name, capybara, comes from the native Brazilian ‘one who eats slender leaves’, while their scientific name means ‘water pig’. Both these translated names tell a lot about capybara characteristics. Capybaras are herbivores eating grasses and water plants, as well as fruit and bark. They also practice coprophagy, eating their own feces. This helps to digest tough cellulose and gain more nutrients out of their diet. The capybaras most famous trait is their affinity for water. They are considered semi-aquatic, spending a significant time in the water. This is for many reasons: protection from the sun and heat, to escape predators, and for mating. They have adapted webbed feet to better swim and move along muddy banks, as well as thin coarse hair which dries quickly. Facial features towards the top of their head are easier for water living, and they are able to fold back their ears which prevents water from entering. Being able to remain submerged for up to 5 minutes also helps! Although they only live near water, they are not picky about the type. They are found along rivers, lakes, swamps, ponds, marshes, and even flooded areas. This water requirement enhances their viewing in zoos as well. Seeing them sitting or swimming in the water is interesting and fun for children. Capybaras provide an excellent educational moment for people of all ages: learning about the geography of their native habitat, the species which make up rodents, and adaptations essential for their survival.

While they may not be one of the major draws to zoos, I have found that they are a fairly common resident of them! Check your local zoo to see if they have them!

Read Full Post »

REVIEW: Maruyama Zoo

Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Website: www.city.sapporo.jp/zoo/

Highlights: Red panda exhibits, Reptile house

Photos: August 2015

Children Friendly (9): There were plenty of children interactive areas throughout the zoo to keep little ones active and interested in the exhibits. There was plenty of viewing levels at the exhibits to allow for good views of the animals. The zoo itself is not overly large or spread out so children would be able to walk for most of it. The size also does not demand a full day visit.

Animal Diversity (10): I was impressed with the variety at this zoo as it did not appear to be overly large when looking at it online. I was even more impressed with the quality of their reptile and amphibian house considering they are not very popular in Japan. Birds were also well represented including a number of birds of prey.

Animal Viewing (9): This is a category that the zoo is clearly working on improving. During my visit they were undergoing major renovations which look to be almost complete and from what I could see are going to be some world class exhibits. Some areas are clearly also recently updated. These new exhibits feature multi-level viewing with fun natural type exhibits. The red panda exhibit was one that was truly well done, overhead walk ways leading to trees they could lounge in. There were some exhibits that the animals could not be seen, I only reduced their score by one point as they were clearly in the process of moving the animals to the new exhibits.

Animals Happiness (7): Again this ties into the above mentioned updates to exhibits. This zoo definitely used to be an old style zoo with pit style exhibits and less than spacious areas for the animals. These new exhibits they have constructed have corrected this problem providing new areas for elephants, giraffes, snow monkeys, lions, etc. I’m assuming once these exhibits have opened they will be moving focus to other exhibits in need of updating. While I applaud their effort in turning their zoo into a truly world class establishment I do have to rate what I saw on the day I was there. Their polar bear and seal exhibits should definitely be next on their list to renovate.

Photography (8): With their updated exhibits there were plenty of awesome photographic opportunities. Glass was decently clean and there were many areas barrier free for the camera. I was especially impressed with the reptile exhibit, the way they did the lighting and exhibit layouts greatly reduced glare and reflections on the glass. Some exhibit fencing was difficult to get good photos through but with the new exhibits opening many of these should be rectified.

Layout/Map (8): The map was decently accurate to the zoo layout and I appreciated the multiple map postings throughout the pathways. The layout was acceptable despite being slightly erratic. Having two entrances to the zoo makes it a little more difficult to organize the zoo evenly but I think they did a pretty good job considering.

Hours (9): The hours are consistent and they are open year round which is awesome. Similar to the other zoos in Hokkaido they have shorter working hours than I’m used to seeing but I did not punish them very harshly. I do think they could open earlier to counteract this though.

Price (10): Prices were absolutely amazing! Adults were 600 yen (around $6) and children are free, and by children they mean anyone under high school age!! You do pay for parking but again the cost is low, and with admission being so low I did not deduct any point. Year long memberships are also available for a whopping 1000 yen.

Food (9): There was food throughout the zoo, in many different forms. Restaurants, food stalls, food trucks, and even a convenience store! This variety of options in eating style and types of food is great for visitors.

Website (8): The website is pretty well done and appears to be kept fairly up to date. They do have multiple foreign language options which is great but it does not convert the entire website. The English site has the basic information but not much beyond that.

Gift Shop (9): There were a couple gift shops throughout, they weren’t huge but they did have good variety. They definitely know how to market themselves as I’ve seen Maruyama Zoo snacks throughout Japan. They also had a good variety of souvenirs for both adults and children. One thing that they showcased which I always enjoy at zoos is they sold products featuring animals they actually have at the zoo and a good variety of them too! They did focus heavily on the polar bear and I’m assuming that is their feature animal currently.

Quiet Areas (10): Multiple paths leading to and from exhibits meant there were plenty of spots to sit and take a rest. Large indoor buildings had benches and rest areas. There was more than one family area with tables, activities for children, and restrooms.

Safety/Cleanliness (8): Like most areas in Japan this zoo was quite clean. Safety was also pretty well done throughout the zoo. I did reduce the score for the petting zoo area as it always increases risk to visitors. Some fencing at exhibits would allow hands to go through as well.

Extras (8): There was a number of interactive areas and informational displays throughout the zoo. Keeper talks and feedings also seemed to be a common occurrence daily which always is great for visitors. On their website it seems to display plenty of events for visitors to attend.

Overall (8.7): I was thoroughly impressed by this zoo and would love to go back in a couple years when they’ve completed their updates. It’s great to see a zoo improving themselves and greatly enhancing both the visitor experience and the welfare of their animals.

Read Full Post »

REVIEW: Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe

Location: Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan

Website: www.nixe.co.jp/

Highlights: Penguin parade, Sardine galaxy tank

Photos: Album

Children Friendly (7): One of the first things you notice driving into the parking lot is that the place is mostly geared towards children. There’s a carnival area right outside with lots of bright colours and rides. There are touch tanks and shows which will definitely please the children. Overall the park is fairly small, small children would be able to walk throughout and it would not take the whole day. That being said there are some areas where they could improve, the carnival area looked like it was in need of an update. I don’t think I’d feel completely safe putting small children on those rides. Also the touch tanks did not have any staff at them which could also be dangerous if the young children (or even adults) were not being careful.

Animal Diversity (6): While this location is mainly an aquarium they did also have reptiles and amphibians on display. In terms of the aquarium itself they also had a decent selection of species, some of which I had never seen before. They had some larger animals including dolphins, seals, sea lions, and penguins which helped them to expand their diversity as well.

Animal Viewing (5): The viewing at the aquarium was fairly mediocre. In the larger tunnel tanks the lighting was not very good which hindered the viewing of the animals. The dolphins and sea lions were only able to be seen during the shows which limits visitors, especially on busy days when the shows could become quite crowded. Many exhibits did not allow the greatest views of the animals due to many hiding spots provided or the shape of the viewing glass (domed). One thing that did have an effect on my viewing enjoyment was the fact that they had recipes/meal signs posted by a number of the exhibits, it was a very weird feeling observing an animal in a zoo/aquarium setting that way.

Animals Happiness (2): In this regard the zoo was really lacking. Many tanks in the castle seemed too small for the animals they housed, most notably the sawfish. Outdoors and in the pavilions the most obvious offending exhibits were the dolphin, sea lion, and seal exhibits. The tanks were much too small and barren. Some tanks inside the castle were quite barren as well and I do realize certain aquatic species prefer empty or minimal tanks.

Photography (4): The lighting at many exhibits caused either bad glare on the glass or very poor lighting to shoot in. As big and vibrant as the castle is outside, it is quite dingy indoors. The glass was not exceptionally clean, especially in the reptile/amphibian areas. Angles looking into some exhibits, not notably the penguins, made some awkward shots as well. Their animal shows were the only opportunity to photograph the dolphins and sea lions, so ‘natural’ or non-performing shots were not an option.

Layout/Map (8): The map was very accurate to the grounds of the park, as well as a map of the castle interior is available on their website. The layout itself is ok, inside the castle it is a one was path. There are not too many exhibits outside the main castle however they are scattered somewhat randomly.

Hours (10): The hours are okay, open from 9-5 everyday. They are open year round as well. Not the longest hours daily but the daylight is shorter in Hokkaido so it’s understandable.

Price (3): The price of the zoo was not worth the number of animals/attractions in my opinion. At about $25 for adults, plus having to pay for parking this was quite expensive. This may not seem like that high of a cost especially considering many zoo prices in North America, but this is more than double what I’ve paid at other, larger zoos in Japan. They do have yearly memberships but you do not start saving money until your third visit.

Food (7): There were plenty of food options available at the aquarium. The food looked fairly good at the sit down restaurants; however it was very mediocre coming from the food stalls. Prices were about average.

Website (10): The website is quite good. That Japanese main site has quite a bit of information and has good graphics and layout. They do have an English brochure online, a pdf of the version you would get at the zoo or information booth.

Gift Shop (8): There were multiple gift shops, all of a pretty good size. I was pleased with the selection available. Plenty of children’s toys and gifts. I did appreciate that almost all the animals represented in the gift shop were in fact seen at the aquarium, or at least marine animals. They did not have a big selection of higher quality gifts for a more adult audience or many clothing options.

Quiet Areas (7): There were benches and tables throughout the park but they were not necessarily away from the ‘action’. There were areas to take your time and sit and look at exhibits but on busy days it could be crowded and not very calming.

Safety/Cleanliness (7): The grounds were fairly clean, and I saw a couple employees cleaning while going through the castle. As mentioned before there were no employees present at the touch tables which could be a potential safety issue. Guest involvement in the dolphin and sea lion shows, although minimal always brings a risk. The safety of the carnival area was not overly convincing when I walked through it to the exit.

Extras (5): Having live animal shows does add to the feeling of ticket value, and there were multiple show times throughout the day. Having a carnival within the park is also great to extend time spent on the grounds.

Overall (6.4): All in all I wouldn’t recommend this zoo. It has some neat aspects to it but it really isn’t worth the money. I feel this aquarium is pretty amazing to guests who have maybe never been to one but there are much better aquarium options out there.

Read Full Post »

REVIEW: Asahiyama Zoo

Location: Asahikawa, Japan

Website: www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/

Highlights: Seal swim through tunnel, Wolf exhibit

Photos: Album

Children Friendly (9): The zoo was not overly large so little legs could make it through okay. Plenty of viewing levels at each exhibit which would allow younger children great opportunities to see the animals. There were some interactive areas in buildings and near exhibits as well. A petting zoo is always a big draw for younger kids but does add a risk factor for younger children and/or children who don’t respect the animals.

Animal Diversity (8): This zoo had great diversity in terms of mammals and birds but was lacking when it came to reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. They had small samplings in each of those categories but not enough to give them a full score.

Animal Viewing (10): This category they completely excelled at. I was thoroughly impressed with how good their exhibits were for viewing the specimens. Virtually every exhibit had multiple levels of viewing on multiple sides of the exhibits. This allowed underwater viewing, overhead viewing, and multiple angles. This also contributed to the amount of enjoyment at each exhibit, you were able to see the animals from multiple views and ultimately spent more time at each one.

Animals Happiness (9): Even though this zoo put in a large amount of effort for spectator viewing, it doesn’t mean they skimped on animal happiness. I was also very impressed with how realistic the exhibits looked. They took care to model the exhibits after the animal’s natural habitats and provide plenty of enrichment. I did take off one point as some of the polar bears were pacing.

Photography (10): Due to the exceptional aspects noted in animal viewing the photography was also awesome. Windows were quite clean throughout the zoo and the fencing used especially helpful for photographers. I was able to get some awesome shots of the animals during my visit.

Layout/Map (9): The map of the zoo was very accurate to the actual zoo layout and I appreciated the suggested route that was listed on it. The layout was not too sprawling so you were able to move to the next exhibit quickly. I did take away one point as certain areas of the zoo required you to go back and forth across the path to see everything, it would be easy to skip one or two exhibits without realizing.

Hours (10): Open year round the zoo and every day the zoo scores well. I would usually reduce the amount of points for a somewhat early closing time every day, especially during the summer but the sun sets earlier in Hokkaido so I forgave them.

Price (10): I’m continuing to be amazed by the prices at the zoos in Japan. General admission is under $10 and discounts are given to city residents and groups. I was more amazed to learn that children under the age of FIFTEEN are FREE and memberships are only ~$10. Outstanding!

Food (7): They had a number of restaurants throughout the zoo which was nice, they were evenly spread. The size of them was ok and the food looked decent but nothing spectacular. As per the rest of Japan there was also a number of drink vending machines spaced around.

Website (5): The website is ok but does look a little dated. They do have language options which was appreciated but doesn’t give a whole lot of information besides a copy of the guide. If all you’re looking for is the basic zoo info than it serves its purpose.

Gift Shop (7): Again the gift shop was ok but nothing special. They did have more than one shop throughout the park, none of them overly large. They did have some unique items inside and were priced reasonably but I think they could do well with adding some more products.

Quiet Areas (10): This zoo had some great quiet spots throughout. They had plenty of connecting/bypass pathways which offered quieter routes through trees if you wanted to skip exhibits or step out of the way for a minute. Benches were also seen throughout.

Safety/Cleanliness (9): Typical for Japan the zoo was very clean. No litter or debris was seen throughout our visit. Viewing glass on exhibits were also very clear and taken care of. Some hills were a little steep which could be an issue for people with wheelchairs or strollers.

Extras (5): This may be due to my lack of Japanese but there didn’t seem to be an abundance of extras at this zoo. They did have a small education centre and a library which was a nice idea. An outdoor stage is present but no information was provided on what it was used for or when.

Overall (8.4): I would highly recommend this zoo. It was a wonderful experience seeing the animals in fun, enriching habitats. If you’re a photographer or someone tired of having mediocre views of zoo animals, definitely check this place out!

Read Full Post »

REVIEW: Higashiyama Zoo

Location: Nagoya, Japan

Website: www.higashiyama.city.nagoya.jp

Highlights: Koala exhibit, nocturnal animals exhibits

Photos: Album

Children Friendly (4): This category gained points as the exhibits for the most part allowed easy viewing for the children. There’s a children’s petting zoo, plenty of statues and lots of exhibits which are quite close to the animals. This zoo did however have a number of exhibits which would be easy for children to climb on fences and railings and potentially get injured. This zoo also had a number of steep hills and quite a few stairs. I imagine there are quite a few tired little legs by half way through the day.

Animal Diversity (10): This zoo had more diversity than I originally expected, in a variety of ways. Not only did they have the typical big draw animals (giraffes, elephants, lions, etc.) they also had variety within those! Both Asian and African elephants, river and pygmy hippos, two species of rhino, and approximately five different species of bears. They also had a huge reptile and amphibian house as well as a fish building. There were also a number of species which I’ve rarely seen in other zoos such as koalas and chimpanzees.

Animal Viewing (8): During the visit there were very few animals that I did not see. Either in the main exhibit or in their indoor enclosures the majority of the animals were in view of the public. Within the exhibits they were also usually pretty visible. Some exhibits were fairly overgrown which made some of the smaller animals more difficult to spot.

Animals Happiness (4): I was hugely disappointed by this category at Higashiyama. This zoo seemed to be half old style zoo (animals in pits with little enrichment) and half new and improved (larger enclosures, natural environment). A lot of the exhibits were probably deemed ‘natural’ and ‘advanced’ 20 years ago but standards since then have changed dramatically. The polar bear exhibit was a sad sight, virtually no enrichment and almost entirely concrete made to look like ice flows. I witnessed stress behaviours in the elephants involving pacing and rocking. Many animals which tend to be in groups in the wild were housed individually (some of the wolf exhibits and the lions for example). The new exhibits however were great. The koala exhibit in particular was very well done. The reptile and amphibian house was spacious with natural environments in each enclosure. Another thing I noticed was that almost all the ‘off exhibit’ areas were on display as well. This is a fantastic idea to showcase the conditions when the animals are indoors and allows visitors to always see the animals. HOWEVER, the off exhibit areas were often very small and dingy. This also never allows the animal to be out of the public eye and for some species/individuals this can be very stressing. Overall for this category it looks like they’re taking steps in the right direction but they have a long way to go.

Photography (4): I was amazed at how poorly the photography was in this zoo. Almost all the glass was dirty, steamed up, or had awful glare. The fencing used was a huge hindrance to taking photos. Often there were many layers of fence and/or glass at varying distances making it virtually impossible to get a clear shot through. The exhibits which seemed newer tended to have better barriers and therefore better resulting shots of the animals but much improvement needs to be made. If you’re wanting great shots of the animals this is not the zoo for you.

Layout/Map (6): The map of the zoo was well done. Simple and to the point it wasn’t overly busy. It also had small cartoons of the animals by their exhibits which made it easy to spot what animals you were going to see/if you wanted to see a specific animal it was easy to pick out. The layout of the zoo however was quite weird. It was basically divided in half but the two areas were not necessarily divided by any specific guideline. Some areas tended to have a region theme (North America) and some by a species theme (bears) but it was all mixed together. Also there was not a clear route to take. We often had to back track to see animals we missed, or criss-cross through to ensure we saw everything.

Hours (7): The hours are quite good. Open the same times every day making it easy to remember/follow. They are closed one day every week however and a couple days at the end of the year. Being open year round is fantastic but I did take off points for only being open until 5 every day. This makes it hard for a lot of people to visit during the week and in the summer especially it doesn’t fully make sense to close that early.

Price (10): This zoo is cheap! I was amazed by how little it cost especially for the size of it. At a price of 500 yen (~$5.00) it’s worth it to stop by even for an hour or two. They do have discounts for groups and for memberships if you plan on visiting often.

Food (8): Like I’ve noticed during my time in Japan so far food is constantly available. Vending machines AND food stalls were around virtually every turn of the zoo. If you were hungry you didn’t have to go far to find something to eat. Prices were a little high but that’s typical of most zoos/attractions in general. The food variety was quite good with sit down restaurants and plenty of vendor stalls. It was slightly different in that the food was clearly not run by one company, many stalls selling similar things were placed right beside each other.

Website (7): This is slightly difficult for me to judge seeing as I don’t know Japanese but their English information on their website was sufficient. They also seemed to have a good layout with plenty of information. Plus fun cartoons!

Gift Shop (7): Like the food, gift shops were everywhere! Around every turn there was another one. They all tended to have similar gifts inside but sometimes there was a distinct featured animal (usually what was near by). There were not really any souvenir type products being sold (more expensive, higher quality). It was mostly toys, stuffed animals, and smaller items mostly geared towards children.

Quiet Areas (8): This category benefited from the poor layout. With lots of pathways and open spaces there were plenty of spots to put benches and picnic areas! There were even plots covered in fake grass to picnic or where the children could play.

Safety/Cleanliness (3): Seeing that a lot of the exhibits were in the older style quite a few seemed run down. Fencing was not of the greatest quality and there were often tarps and boards propped up areas and providing ‘roofing’. Japan in general is quite clean in terms of litter so that was not an issue. In terms of safety there were not always railings or barricades near steps or drops. Pathways were also uneven frequently. In terms of hills there were a number that were quite steep which could be quite dangerous for young children, those with disabilities and those pushing strollers.

Extras (6): There is an education building near the front of the zoo which had some neat presentations for children (and adults too!). There were also educational signs and interactive areas throughout the zoo. Feedings happened throughout the day during out visit which was great to see some of the more sedentary animals being more active. The grounds of the zoo is actually half botanical garden so those wanting to see more of the flora side of wildlife would love the area. There is also the large tower on site as well to see the grounds (and much of Nagoya) from a birds eye view.

Overall (6.6): Overall the zoo has a good core structure but has a lot to do to become truly world class. The variety of animals was fantastic but their exhibits needed a lot of work. If you’re visiting to see a lot of animals and get a view of some botanical gardens this is for you. If you’re wanting to practice your photography or are used to AZA/CAZA certified zoos in North America you will be sorely disappointed.

Read Full Post »

REVIEW: Epcot Seas Aqua Tour

Zoo: Disney Epcot

Location: Orlando, Florida

Website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-seas-aqua-tour/

Description: A 2.5hr tour of the Caribbean Coral Reef saltwater tank, including behind the scenes of maintaining the tank, a photo opportunity in the tank, and 30 mins of snorkelling.

Children Friendly (6): Their website does state must be a minimum of 8 years of age, so they don’t even recommend it for anyone younger than that. I think for older children it is actually a really cool experience. You can be up close and personal with a lot of the animals and experience something you might not be able to elsewhere. It was a little weird to get used to the snorkelling equipment they use as an adult, so if you are planning on taking children be aware you may have to help them quite a bit.

Animal Viewing (10): Absolutely amazing. You are right in the tank which is huge! There’s a great variety of animals to see: sharks, rays, lots of fish, sea turtles, and dolphins are in the neighbouring section as well. Some animals will come pretty much right up to you, but even those that stay towards the bottom you get an awesome view of.

Animals Happiness (8): All species seemed completely unfazed by our presence. Seeing as we didn’t do any diving below the surface the animals determined how close to us they were. We were given directions before beginning by staff on how to best conduct yourself while in the water to benefit the animals. Some guests were more inconsiderate of these rules (attempting to touch animals, moving quickly/splashing), which in turn caused some animals to move away.

Photography (3): No photos or video was allowed to be taken during the behind the scenes portion. Part of the tour was done in areas where it was allowed. Seeing as you’re in a tank which is also on display allows friends/family to take pictures of you during the experience if you position yourself right. They do take a complimentary photo of you right before beginning the in water session once you’ve entered the water and suited up, ours turned out awesome but that’s the only photo they provide of the experience.

Price (5): Seeing as it is Disney the cost of this is quite steep. That being said they do give plenty of time in each stage to talk about different aspects of the whole aquarium and answer any questions you have. You don’t need to bring anything with you except for a bathing suit, they provide everything else.

Safety (8): I did feel completely safe throughout the experience. There was always staff on hand to assist and explain different aspects. Snorkelling gear they used also worked as buoyancy so even those who are not as good of swimmers can participate. That being said the actual breathing gear was a little weird to get used to at first – not that it was unsafe but for the first bit until your comfortable it may FEEL unsafe. Also, the fact that it is in a giant tank with a number of different species there is always a risk.

VIP Experience (10): Absolutely a 10 rating. You experience the aquarium in a much different way than seeing it from the outside. The animals are so much closer and it feels like you’re in a completely different place.

Overall (7.1): I loved this experience. Definitely one of the cooler things I’ve done. You can see everything so close and so clearly, and who knows if I’ll ever be able to experience that in the wild. It is a little pricey but it won’t be something you forget!

Read Full Post »

RANT: Learn Your Species!

One of the ‘games’ I play when visiting zoos is sneakily correcting people about animals. If someone is gushing over how cute the baby jaguar is, I’ll call over my boyfriend with a “Hey, come look at the ocelot!”. If someone is commenting how they always thought kangaroos were bigger, I’ll read the sign stating average lifespan of a wallaby out loud to who I’m with. Sometimes I’m a little more up front about it…I’ll just state a random fact about the animal or say something like “oh the axolotls are always too hidden for me to get a good photo”. I don’t like conflict and I don’t want to make anyone feel stupid for not knowing…but I also don’t want people to go home thinking they saw forty species at the zoo that day when it was actually sixty.

Although it resembles a kangaroo this is actually a wallaby!

 

Now I understand I graduated in zoology, have worked at zoos, and frequent zoos often so I tend to know animal species a little more than the average zoo goer but this is still a frustration of mine. Let me tell you why:

Signs: The most obvious reason…I have yet to visit a zoo that hasn’t posted even the most basic sign about the animal you’re looking at. Even the worst zoos I’ve been to have at least ‘LION’ hand painted on a board and nailed to the fence. Yes sometimes the signs are not right in front of your face but they are usually pretty easy to spot.

Conservation: What you thought was an armadillo was actually a pangolin, the most trafficked mammal in the world. By reading the signs and understanding what you are looking at it might give you a different outlook on the animal in front of you. Maybe when you realize you’re looking at an animal who has lost 90% of it’s habitat to deforestation you might decide to adopt one on the way out. By encountering an orangutan for the first time and learning how unsustainable palm oil is wiping them out, that visitor may change their spending habits in their home.

Education: Even just for the fact of an educational outing, please learn what it is you are looking at. Maybe it will just be another animal name that you know; it may help you during trivia night sometime. Who knows you might even learn something about yourself or the world! Did you know that weird thing you just assumed was like any other crustacean at the bottom of the ocean is in fact a horseshoe crab? Did you know that they have had a profound impact on human medicine?

Children: Quite often when I’m hearing people referring to animals by the wrong name it is parents discussing the animals with their children. Now I understand with young kids it’s easier to say ‘monkey’ rather than ‘gibbon’ because they may already know what a monkey is, or say ‘cat’ for all of the big cats….but is it really? Children are picking up on a lot of vocabulary and teaching them the difference between a tiger and a lion is not that big of a feat. In terms of older children who have an easier time with the distinctions, why WOULDN’T you? Raising your children to have a broader view of the species throughout the world and the challenges they face with climate change, habitat loss, and poaching (to name a few…) can make them more environmentally conscious adults in the future. For example linking shoreline cleanups with the spiny softshell turtle they fell in love with at the zoo could encourage them to take part. After experiencing the popcorn scent of a binturong and discovering the island of Sumatra on a map, your child may become an advocate for its critically endangered inhabitants.

This spiny softshelled turtle could inspire your child to be a protector of watersheds.

Conservation relies on awareness and public interest. A major aspect of zoos is raising awareness and encouraging the public to relate to the species they are interacting with, which in turn boosts activism and conservation efforts. If every zoo visitor left having learned about the challenges of a species they otherwise did not know existed, that species has a better chance of survival. Donations, awareness, and greener living and spending habits are what can turn the fate of species around. Knowing how small interactions can produce big lifestyle changes is perhaps why I find it most irritating. I still discover new species during zoo visits! So next time you’re at the zoo try to discover at least one new animal!

Read Full Post »