[Iwate] Special feature on the highlights of the two major zoos! Morioka City Zoological Park and Iwate Safari Park

Iwate's zoos are Iwate Safari Park and Morioka City Zoological Park. These are Iwate's two major zoos and are loved by locals and tourists.

This time, we will be featuring these two zoos.

Morioka City Zoological Park

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Morioka City Zoological Park opened in 1989. Currently, there are about 100 species and 800 animals on display. It is characterized by the emphasis on raising animals unique to Japan, such as Japanese macaques, Asiatic black bears, wild boars, Japanese deer, and Tsushima leopard cats. There is also an area called the Japan Ecological Garden.

Victoria City in Canada is a sister city of Morioka City. You can also see rare animals such as Canadian otters, bighorn sheep, and pumas, which were gifted from here.

The Fureai Square is very popular with children and women. Here you can interact with cute rabbits and guinea pigs. There are also other places where you can get your body moving, such as an athletic field and a pony riding experience.

There is a grassy area within the park, so many families and couples eat lunch here.

Morioka City Zoological Park where you can interact with insects

At Morioka City Zoological Park, you can not only interact with animals, but also insects. The environment is rich with forests, bushes, and waterside. A variety of insects live there, and insect nets are available for rent. During summer vacation, we often see children visiting for independent research.

Many insect-related events are also held, such as insect collecting competitions. There is even a firefly viewing event in the summer. The performance of fireflies in a number that cannot be seen in Tokyo is definitely worth seeing.

This zoo covers a wide range of species, from animals to insects.

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Iwate Safari Park

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Iwate Safari Park opened in 2008. Currently, there are 700 animals of 70 species on display. You can tour the park using a private bus or your own car. You can see wild animals such as lions, tigers, and camels up close.

We also put a lot of effort into interacting with animals. One of the most popular activities is feeding camels and giraffes. Other popular attractions include the flamingo show and the monkey theater. You can feed and hold ring-tailed and frilled lemurs.

There are four areas within the park. One of the most popular is the carnivore free-range area. Not only children but also adults get excited about white tigers and Bengal tigers.

You can also feed the animals in the herbivore free range area. You may be surprised to see long tongues coming out of giraffes, zebras, and American bison.

At the elephant village, you can actually ride on the back of an elephant and experience elephant handling. It's more expensive than you think, so it's thrilling even for adults.

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