Oita Marine Palace Aquarium, Public aquarium in Oita, Japan
Oita Marine Palace Aquarium is a public marine facility in the city of Oita with multiple exhibit areas showcasing different water habitats. The main section features a large circular tank housing approximately 1,500 fish representing around 90 species native to the Bungo Channel.
The facility opened on April 1, 2004, and quickly established itself as a significant marine education center on Japan's coast. It was developed to make the marine ecosystem of the region accessible to the public and to build understanding of oceanic habitats.
Walruses and sea lions perform regularly with trainers, showing how these marine mammals behave in care and learn new behaviors. After each show, visitors can interact with the animals and learn about their nature from the staff.
The facility operates daily from morning until early evening, with extended hours during spring holidays and summer vacation periods. Plan to spend several hours exploring the different exhibit sections, and expect larger crowds during school break times.
The Wonder Zone houses cutlassfish and jellyfish that appear in unusual colors due to special lighting systems designed specifically for them. This artificial lighting shifts throughout the day, creating a visual experience that differs significantly from how these creatures look in their natural ocean environment.
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