Hitachi City Kamine Zoo

The zoo opened in 1957 with the motto of “Enter for fun and leave with knowledge.”

On the open grounds looking down the Pacific Ocean, nearly 100 species of 540 animals are cared for, such as Asian female elephants from Myanmar, Mineko and Suzuko, cute Humboldt Penguins that walk like toddlers, a lion family that love each other, children’s favorite, capybaras from South America.

Reptile Hall that houses snakes, lizards, alligators, tortoises, etc is intriguing to look at. At the center of the Hall, an open space with tropical plants is set up along with other spots to provide opportunities to observe the curious ecology of reptiles.

In 2020, “Nihonzaru no Hiroba,” Japanese Monkey Plaza, was opened with the almost 7m-tall play tower. In 2021, Red Panda House was renewed with more charm to commemorate the 60th anniversary.