[Kahoku Town, Yamagata Prefecture] Completely free "Kahoku Town Children's Zoo" is open 24 hours a day, all year round! Enjoy 30 types of animals
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Yamagata Prefecture has only one zoo within the prefecture. That is Kahoku Town Children's Zoo. Zoos in Tokyo and other areas often hold ``Night Zoos'' for a limited time, such as during the summer.
This is an event that runs until 9pm, instead of the usual closing time of 6pm. This is a very popular event because you can see animals at night that you can't usually see.
I have also been to the zoo in Ueno, Tokyo at night, and was shocked to see giraffes running around at full speed inside the enclosure.
The night zoo is very popular for this limited period event, but at the Kahoku Town Children's Zoo you can enjoy it all year round. What's more, there are no time restrictions such as until 9pm, and you can enter and view at any time, 24 hours a day.
Zoos like this that are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year are very rare even in Japan.
Free zoo admission
The great thing about the Kahoku Children's Zoo is not only its opening hours, but also that admission is free. It has a history of being a popular place for nearby residents to drop by anytime.
Local people often refer to it as Yachi Zoo, not Kahoku Children's Zoo. There is a place name in Kahoku-cho called Yachi, and it is said that the name comes from there.
Safe for children as there are no large animals
The disadvantage of this zoo, which can also be called its charm, is that there are almost no large animals. There are no giraffes, gorillas, lions, or tigers that are popular at major zoos that charge admission fees.
The biggest ones are bears and ponies. Other animals you can see include peacocks, goats, sheep, and owls.
It's free and community-based, so rather than people flocking to see the lively and popular animals, it's also a place where you can leisurely watch relatively small animals living peacefully. It's surrounded by such an atmosphere.
Major, lively zoos that are visited by many people are good, but peaceful zoos like this one also have the charm of being calm and enjoyable.
It's a good spot especially for small children who don't want to take them into too many crowds, or for adults who want to go around slowly and peacefully.
Approximately 30 species of animals live there
Most of the animals are small, but there are about 30 different types, so you won't get tired of looking at them. In addition to the above, there are also raccoon dogs, monkeys, deer, and swans.
You can also touch and feed them. This applies to rabbits, sheep, and goats. When feeding the animals, there is usually a fee of 200 yen for the food.
However, this is also free at the Kahoku Town Children's Zoo. You will receive a paper cup filled with cut carrots and cabbage.
Particularly popular with girls is interacting with guinea pigs, newborn rabbits, and chicks. It's so cute that even adults can't help but reach for it.
main spot
Bird release house
The ``bird release house'' is a particularly large cage within the park. There are mandarin ducks, chickens, and ducks. You can go inside and see the birds living happily.
It's fun to watch them fly around actively and bathe in the pond.
The mandarin duck is designated as the bird of Iwate Prefecture. This bird is quite rare, so it's a rare opportunity to observe it up close.
Waterfowl pond
There are swans and ducks in the "Waterfowl Pond." Swans are often seen from a distance. Here you can see it right in front of your eyes.
If you reach out a little, you'll be able to touch it. You can see that the swan is surprisingly large. You can watch the zookeeper feeding the animals.
At that time, they will shake their wings vigorously and beg with all their might. You can feel a different charm from the usual calm image of swans.
petting animal cage
In the ``petting animal cage,'' you can enjoy interacting with the rabbits, goats, and chicks introduced earlier. Please note that the Fureai experience is not available all year round.
Limited time only from May to June and September to October. Furthermore, the days and times are set every Sunday from 13:30 to 14:30 (13:30 to 14:00 is sheep and goats, and 14:00 to 14:30 is rabbits and chicks). If you want to interact, go along with this.
peacock cage
Depending on the season, you can watch peacocks spread their wings beautifully at the Peacock Cage. It's a very rare moment that you don't get to see all the time.
You're lucky if you see it. It is one of the most popular animals in the park.
taxidermy museum
The Taxidermy Zoo is the only indoor facility in the park. There is a taxidermy corner on the first floor. Stuffed animals such as crocodiles, boars, and wallabies are on display.
There is also a video corner where you can learn about the ecology of wild birds. You can admire tropical fish on the second floor.
You can take a walk with the animals
Jumbo rabbits, raccoon dogs, and ducks take walks in the park on an irregular basis. Walking freely around the zoo with the animals is a rare experience.
Summary about Kahoku Town Children’s Zoo
This facility was originally established with the motto of animal welfare and emotional education. As a result, they are full of love for animals, and you can feel a kind feeling when you watch them.
Various projects are being held to help children feel enriched through interaction. Since it's free, local people visit many times a month to enjoy watching the animals grow.
Children can experience the animals growing with them. Zoos like this are rare in the country. This is a zoo recommended for families with small children as well as adults, which is a bit different from the norm.
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