Ueno Zoo, founded in Tokyo back in 1882, is the oldest zoo in Japan. Located within Ueno Park, its star attraction, has got to be its pair of giant pandas, Ri Ri and Shin Shin. Not only can you catch a glimpse of some interesting animals, park-goers also make for good people-watching.
I do enjoy visiting zoos very much (although I can't help feeling conflicted about whether animals belong more in captivity or in their natural habitat) and I have seen my fair share of animals. At 600¥ (about USD$6) per entry for adults, Ueno Zoo (as well as other Japanese zoos) is great value (compared to the San Diego Zoo (USD$44) and Singapore Zoo (about USD$17)) but I honestly wouldn't mind paying more if it meant better living conditions and greater animal education and conservation efforts.
The
Okapi - It is the only living relative of the giraffe, despite looking more like a zebra! (P.S. Isn't the San Diego Zoo website just awesome?)
The
Red Panda - They look like racoons, and eat bamboo, but are related to neither racoons, nor pandas!
The Japanese Giant Salamander - It is otherwise known as the Giant Pepper Fish, or Ōsanshōuo.
The Shoebill - A bird which can stay really still.
The
Capybara - The world's largest rodent (yes,
rodent).
The Alpaca - A smaller version of the llama which enjoys spiting in your face very much.
The Common Marmoset - New World monkeys posing for a photograph.
The
Meerkat - Timons in action. More mongoose than cat.
The Chinchilla - Little Chincha of the Andes
Some other zoo residents to expect:
At the Petting Zoo
Around The Park Grounds
The Giant Panda Exhibit
My Best Shot
People Around the Zoo - Seeing how much the young and young-at-heart enjoy a day out at the zoo, makes it all the more worth a visit!
Cost: free - ¥600
Access: Ueno Station
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