Hagachizaki Monkey Bay, Zoo habitat in Minamiizu, Japan
Hagachizaki Monkey Bay is a zoo habitat in Minamiizu where around 300 monkeys live together in family groups and interact with one another. The site covers a natural area with viewing platforms positioned so visitors can watch the animals while they go about their daily lives.
The facility opened in 2020 and introduced a new way to observe wild monkeys in the Shizuoka region. This approach came from a desire to create living space for the local monkey population while bringing visitors closer to these animals.
The facility shows how visitors can watch the animals up close while the monkeys continue their natural daily routines without disruption. The space was built so that people and monkeys can share the same area, each following their own patterns.
The site is easily accessible on foot and has several viewing spots that offer different angles to watch the monkeys. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the animals are most active.
The space was deliberately designed so monkeys and people can live side by side without a fence separating both sides. This creates a viewing experience that feels more natural for both the animals and visitors compared to traditional zoos.
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