Satsukiyama Zoo, Municipal zoo at Satsukiyama Park in Ikeda, Japan
Satsukiyama Zoo is a small facility at the base of Mount Satsuki in Ikeda housing enclosures with alpacas, sheep, emus, and other animals. The zoo spans a compact area where visitors can view the different species within easy walking distances.
The facility opened in 1957 and has developed into an important local institution over the decades. It gained international attention when staff successfully bred wombats outside Australia in 1992.
The zoo serves as a place where visitors connect with animals from around the world and learn about their care. Staff members actively engage with guests to share knowledge about conservation and animal behavior through direct observation and interaction.
The zoo sits a 15-minute walk from Hankyu Ikeda Station and is easily accessible on foot. Entry is free, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven with paths winding around the hillside.
The zoo ranks among the smallest of its kind in Japan and focuses mainly on smaller, domesticated, or regional animals. This specialization allows for a closer, more direct viewing experience where visitors can interact with the creatures more intimately.
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