秋田八幡平クマ牧場, Bear park in Hachimantai, Akita Prefecture, Japan
This site was a bear enclosure in Hachimantai, Akita Prefecture, where brown bears and black bears lived in separate sections. The outdoor areas were surrounded by tall concrete walls that provided exercise space for the animals.
The facility opened in July 1987 and offered visitors the chance to observe bears for a quarter century. A serious incident in spring 2012 led to permanent closure just a few months later.
The park showed typical aspects of Japanese wildlife facilities from the late eighties, where visitors could interact actively with animals. Guests threw food over the walls and watched the bears compete for the snacks.
The site remained closed every winter from late October through late April as heavy snow covered the region. Adults paid 500 yen and children 300 yen for admission during operating months.
In April 2012, six bears used accumulated snow as ramps to climb over the tall walls and escape. This incident sparked nationwide debates about safety standards in animal holding facilities.
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