Ōuchiyama Zoo, Wildlife park in Taiki, Japan.
Ōuchiyama Zoo is a zoo in Taiki, in the southern part of Mie Prefecture, Japan, where visitors can see animals from different parts of the world. The grounds are divided into separate sections for bears, tigers, penguins, lions, meerkats, and flamingos, each with its own dedicated space.
The zoo opened in 1970 as a privately run facility in Mie Prefecture, at a time when such places were still rare in the southern part of the region. It has been welcoming visitors for over five decades since then.
The zoo draws local families on weekends and school holidays, making it one of the few gathering spots in this part of Mie Prefecture. Children can take part in feeding sessions with some of the animals, which turns a simple visit into something more hands-on.
Opening hours change by season, so it is worth checking before you go. The grounds cover several animal sections spread across a walking route, so comfortable shoes make the visit easier.
Despite being in a rural area far from any major city, the zoo keeps animals like tigers and penguins that most visitors would not expect to find in this part of Japan. The contrast between the forested surroundings and the range of species on display is one of the first things people notice when they arrive.
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