At the zoo there are 749 animals from 121 different species on exhibit - 193 mammals,
24 species; 203 birds, 36 species; 5 reptiles, 3 species; and 348 fish, 57 species,
divided into 47 fresh water fish, 14 species, and 301 salt water fish, 43 species (as of
January 1, 1992).
In the aquarium are a 70cm red-tail cat, a 55cm giant grouper, 2 Asian arowanas, some
spectacled caiman, and other creatures. Of the zoo's four Humboldt penguins, a female with
three black spots on her chest called 'Mitsuko Mitsuboshi' is estimated to be over 32
years old. 'Mitsuko', who came to the zoo in June, 1962, is the longest living penguin in
Japan.
Every three to five years, giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, lesser pandas and other popular
animals are purchased in pairs for display. The zoo also treats injured animals from other
areas in the prefecture and runs a program for children called 'Zoo Keeper for a Day'.
Adjacent to Oka Amusement Park, the zoo is most important as the place in Kiryuu most
visited by those from outside the city.
Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Open year round. |
