I like everybody! Asahikawa City Let’s go to Asahiyama Zoo! [January 2008 edition] |
![I like everybody! Asahikawa City Let’s go to Asahiyama Zoo! [January 2008 edition] [Project planning/Graphics] Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City [Project assistance] Asahikawa City](img/top01.jpg)
●The highly popular Penguin walk
Pictures provided by Asahikawa City
●The seals’ feeding time
(mogu mogu time)
●enguin chicks that are still covered
in brown fur
This is definitely INTERESTING! The northernmost zoo in Japan, Asahiyama Zoo, is currently the focus of much attention. So much so that it actually made Asahikawa city into a well-known spot in the whole country. Being the northernmost zoo, Asahiyama is blanketed by pure white snow in the winter. However, winter is also the best time to visit Asahiyama Zoo. Visitors who came to know the fun of the summer zoo will definitely be tempted to experience the epitome of winter here.
The main attraction that can only be found during winter here is the ‘Penguin Walk’. Here, you can get to see the artless penguins waddling in a file across the pure white landscape. ‘The penguins will freely walk out and frolic in the snow. They want to go for a walk too. In the past, there was an old lady from Yokohama who saw the penguins walk in this zoo and commented that she was glad that she came. If you do not visit Asahiyama zoo in the winter, you will never get to be moved by the experience of encountering real, live animals. Please come and be impressed by the vivacity of the animals here.’ says Mr. Masao Kosuge, the zoo’s director.
You can observe penguins sliding on their tummies down the snowy slide in the toboggan arena in front of the penguin aquarium. Most visitors could not tear their eyes away from the lively movements of the penguins. Also, another must-see is the King Penguins chicks wearing their baby fine fur in brown. There are many regulars who visit often so to keep track of the growing chicks.
The clear and fine day that is preceded by a heavy snowfall in the previous day is the best. Even within the Asahikawa area, this place is especially great to live in due to the calm winds. The powder snow here loosely envelopes the landscape and gently covers everything in white.
●Asahiyama Zoo’s director, Mr. Masao Kosuge.
●Polar bears seemingly ‘posing’ with the visitors
Be bowled over by the powerful dives of the polar bears in the midst of winter. They will also charm you with their playful antics by rolling on the newly fallen snow. Another focus of attention in this winter is the newly opened ‘Red panda suspension bridge’. You can observe the red pandas climbing trees and cavorting across the suspension bridge directly above you. ‘Winter is the best season to visit the zoo because you can also see the seals being taking out for a walk across the snow covered grounds. Get to personally observe the antics and movements of the animals in the raw. I really hope that you can get to acquaint yourself with the animals here,’ says the zoo director, Mr. Kosuge.
Be filled with wonder at the coexistence of humans and animals in nature when you gaze into the gentle eyes of the animals and feel the warmth emanating from their bodies. The attraction of Asahiyama zoo is in how it allows people of all ages and walks of life to be moved by the wonders of the animals. Now is the time to experience the best of Asahiyama in winter.
●Check out the Red pandas’
suspension bridge now
Pictures provided by Asahikawa City
●Asahiyama Zoo, Asahiyama City/
Kuranuma, Higashi Asahikawa-cho,
Asahikawa City
Entrance fee: 580yen (adults),
free entrance for high-school and below.
Winter opening period: Until 7th April
