Ehime Prefectural Dogo Zoo, Public zoo in Matsuyama, Japan.
Ehime Prefectural Dogo Zoo is a public facility in Matsuyama that spreads across a large area and displays around 630 animals from approximately 150 different species in settings designed to resemble their natural habitats. The enclosures are built to let animals live in spaces that echo where they come from in the wild.
The zoo was established to advance wildlife education and conservation in western Japan's region. This project showed how important such facilities had become for local understanding of nature.
The zoo reflects Japanese approaches to animal care alongside international practices, showing visitors different ways of thinking about how to work with animals. Walking through, you can notice how local and global methods influence the way the facility operates.
The zoo is located in Matsuyama and opens daily to visitors, with a large ground area that you can explore on foot. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, and there are rest areas where you can take a break.
The grounds feature fourteen natural rock formations that resemble different animals when viewed from particular angles, offering visitors an extra layer of exploration during their walk. This hidden element adds a playful dimension to a day at the facility.
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