2022.12.22

Research and studies

~ Aiming to clarify the ecology of Whale shark~ Announcement of goal achievement and continued efforts

Thank you very much for your support of the project "What Whale shark can do to protect whale Kaiyukan- Uncovering the mysterious migration route". Thanks to your warm support, we were able to reach our target amount on the 21st day after the start. We were surprised by the response, which exceeded our expectations, and were able to once again feel the feelings and passion of everyone who loves Kaiyukan and the creatures. We are very happy and filled with gratitude. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported and agreed with us, and to everyone who has learned about our efforts. From now on, we will set our next goal at 10 million yen and challenge ourselves to obtain more difficult medium- to long-term data, and we will continue this crowdfunding until the final day, Tuesday, February 28, 2023, so that as many people as possible can learn about the current situation and efforts of Whale shark through this project. We plan to add more rewards in the future, so we hope you will look forward to them. Click here to support and agree with the project. We appreciate your continued warm support. All the creatures and staff at Kaiyukan

2022.12.21

news

Announcement of the mini-exhibition "A rich and beautiful ocean for the future"

Kaiyukan will hold a mini-exhibition "A rich and beautiful ocean for the future" from Tuesday, December 20, 2022. On October 30, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme International Environmental Technology Centre (UNEP-IETC), a talk event "Only One Earth - Let's protect the richness of our irreplaceable Earth and the ocean!" was held to discuss garbage and marine plastic issues. At the UNEP-IETC joint event "Only One Earth - Let's protect the richness of our irreplaceable Earth and the ocean!", a talk session was held with four people: the aquarium keeper of Kaiyukan , a fish zookeeper, a UNEP-IETC planning officer, and calligrapher Yuna Okanishi. Yuna Okanishi also performed a calligraphy work with the theme of "Protecting the Ocean". In addition to displaying the calligraphy works from the event, this exhibition will introduce the accidents that Kaiyukan has faced in the past where creatures have accidentally ingested marine plastic and the efforts that Kaiyukan has made in response to these incidents. Through special exhibitions, Kaiyukan hopes to make further contributions to raising awareness of environmental issues. About the mini special exhibition "A rich, beautiful ocean for the future" Period: Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Location: 4th floor of Kaiyukan Main Building Fee: Free (included in Kaiyukan admission fee) [Supported by] United Nations Environment Programme International Environmental Technology Centre (UNEP-IETC) Global Environment Centre Foundation (UNEP-IETC Supporting Corporation) Calligrapher Yuna Okanishi

2022.12.14

Living creature information

[Exhibition End Notice] Panel Exhibition "Record of the Ringed seal Growth for 100 Days from Birth"

The panel exhibition "A Record of the Ringed seal Growth Over 100 Days Since Birth," which has been held around the "Arctic Region" tank on the 4th floor of the Aquarium since August 1, 2021, will end on Sunday, December 18, 2022. The panel exhibition displays the growth process of the Ringed seal Mizore, as well as behind-the-scenes stories of artificial rearing, the aquarium keeper ' thoughts, and the white fur that fell out during the growth process. After the panel exhibition ends, the aquarium keeper ' efforts in artificial rearing will be introduced on the official website (inside the Kaiyukan Lab). Panel exhibition "A Record of the Ringed seal Growth Over 100 Days Since Birth" Panel exhibition "A Record of the Ringed seal Growth Over 100 Days Since Birth"-->

2022.12.12

Living creature information

World's first confirmed pregnancy in a Spinetail devilray

We have confirmed that a Spinetail devilray exhibited in the "Pacific Ocean" tank in the Aquarium is pregnant. This is the first time in the world that a Spinetail devilray has been pregnant in captivity. In addition, in order to provide a more optimal birthing environment, a partition net will be installed in the "Pacific Ocean" tank from Thursday, December 15th for the time being. The Spinetail devilray is a species that was successfully exhibited for the first time in the world by Kaiyukan in 2008, and currently two of them, one male and one female, are exhibited in the "Pacific Ocean" tank. Mating behavior has been confirmed since around February 2022, and an ultrasound examination confirmed the pregnancy of one fetus on August 17th. The Spinetail devilray is a "viviparous" species, which means that the baby is born after it has grown to a certain extent in the womb, and the fetus is currently about 50 cm in width (the size between the two pectoral fins). It is expected that the baby will grow to about 70 to 90 cm and be born around February 2023. About the Spinetail devilray English name: Spinetail devilray Scientific name: Mobula mobula A large ray with a body width of about 3m that is distributed from the coasts to the open ocean in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, characterized by a pair of head fins. Its population is said to be decreasing, and it is designated as "Endangered (EN)" on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. Research has not progressed due to its habitat and the small number of cases of captivity, and there are many mysteries about its ecology. Panel exhibition "Challenge to breed the Spinetail devilray! ~ What is the mysterious ecology of the Spinetail devilray? " A panel exhibition will be held to introduce the ecology of the Spinetail devilray and the efforts of the aquarium keeper to breed it. Period: December 23, 2022 ~ Venue: "Pacific Ocean" tank, 5th floor viewing corridor *The content may be changed or canceled without notice depending on the condition of the creature.

2022.12.03

Living creature information

Red spotted masu salmon and blue-and-white stingrays were born!

Both are currently being raised and exhibited within the Aquarium . Red spotted masu salmon trout, living in the "Japan Forest" tank , and blue-spotted stingrays, living in the "Maldives Islands" tank, have bred. Both are being raised and exhibited within the Aquarium. The Red spotted masu salmon fry were born from eggs spawned in the tank. The yolk is still present in their abdomens, and they will grow for the time being on the nutrients from this yolk rather than on food. This is the first time they have been exhibited at Kaiyukan, but they are often hiding among the rocks, so please look for them. The blue-spotted stingray was born in the tank on November 30th. The single male stingray is often seen hiding in the sand in the tank, with only its eyes peeking out. Kaiyukan previously received the Breeding Award for its blue-spotted stingray breeding, which is presented to the first zoo or aquarium affiliated with the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums to successfully breed them. About the Red spotted masu salmon trout fry: Date of birth: Late November 2022 Number on display: Approximately 5 Exhibit location : "Special Exhibition "Gyugyu-tto Cute" Other Red spotted masu salmon eggs are also on display. About the blue-spotted ray fry: Date of birth: November 30, 2022 Gender: Male Number on display: 1 Exhibit location: "Maldives Islands"tank *Exhibits may be changed or canceled without notice depending on the condition of the creatures.

2022.11.24

Research and studies

~ Aiming to clarify the ecology of Whale shark~ Kaiyukan will attempt crowdfunding for the first time

In order to further develop the research and study on Whale shark that we have been working on for many years, we will be trying crowdfunding from December 1st. ★Additional information: 2022/12/22 Goal achieved! For details, click here. Since its opening in 1990, the Kaiyukan Whale shark been kept and exhibited, and has been studied. However, it is said that the whale shark population is decreasing worldwide, and it is classified as an endangered species (species at increasing risk of extinction) on the Red List, a list of endangered species in the world established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the ecology of Whale shark is still largely a mystery, and there is a lack of ecological information to properly conserve them, such as their habitat, migration routes, and population. At Kaiyukan, we are conducting various surveys and research to clarify the ecology of Whale shark. In particular, we are focusing on a survey called "biologging," which uses small recording devices to investigate the behavior of Whale shark in the open ocean (migration routes, etc.). However, biologging is not currently able to obtain sufficient data due to the high cost of equipment and the low data recovery rate. In addition, the current state of Whale shark is still unknown to many people. Therefore, we are trying crowdfunding to obtain more research opportunities, and to deepen our connections with everyone by letting everyone know about Whale shark sharks and the efforts of Kaiyukan. About biologging About this crowdfunding About the return gift Message from Kaiyukan About Kaiyukan English name: Whale shark Whale shark name: Rhincodon typus A large shark that lives in temperate to tropical coasts and the open ocean, it appears in the waters near Japan from spring to autumn on the Kuroshio Current. It eats plankton such as small crustaceans, and when it grows, it can reach a maximum of 10 to 12 meters, and it is thought that it may grow even larger. Kaiyukan is currently raising and exhibiting two Whale shark in the "Pacific Ocean" tank . About Bio-logging Bio-logging is a research method in which a small recording device (data logger) is attached to an organism and the behavior that the organism (Bio) records (logs) is analyzed. In recent years, research has been conducted on various organisms, and the results have attracted attention from around the world. Since 2011, Kaiyukan has been conducting joint research on Whale shark migration routes with Hokkaido University. The small recording device is automatically removed from the Whale shark's body after the planned research period has elapsed, and the recorded data is obtained via satellite. The recorded items are the migration route (position), swimming depth, and water temperature. ▲Image of migration route survey--> ▲Image of migration route survey Results and issues of past bio-logging surveys In a six-month survey conducted in 2015, it was found that Whale shark that departed from Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture, migrated eastward and then migrated to the Philippine Sea. Other surveys have provided data showing that whale sharks migrate to deep sea areas exceeding 1,800m in depth, and off the coast of Tohoku and Chiba Prefecture. By accumulating such data, it is possible to more accurately estimate the migration routes of Whale shark. In addition, the amount of data obtained by conducting surveys over a long period of time increases, but at the same time, the possibility of equipment failure and other problems occurring increases, resulting in a low data collection rate. In addition, the very high cost of equipment is also one of the reasons why data accumulation is not progressing. About this crowdfunding campaign Use of funds ・Purchase of biologging equipment ・Work costs for research and investigation ・Other miscellaneous expenses, etc. Target amount 5 million yen Format All-in format (will be carried out even if the target amount is not reached) Implementation period December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2023 Platform Yell Rail (https://yell-rail.en-jine.com/projects/kaiyukan) Goals We will aim to collect data with the goal of understanding short-term migration routes, and then begin collecting long-term data thereafter First goal: Collect one-month migration route data for 3 individuals Second goal: Collect three-month migration route data for 2 individuals Third goal: Collect six-month migration route data for 2 individuals Regarding rewards, we plan to prepare a variety of rewards related to Kaiyukan. Support amount Quantity Gift 1,000 yen - Thank you email only 3,000 yen 300 Limited edition acrylic double key chain - Thank you email only 5,000 yen 50 Kaiyukan original calendar (December supporters only) 300 Limited edition pin badge 300 Limited edition Southern rockhopper penguin feather key chain - Thank you email only 10,000 yen 100 Limited edition tote bag + Limited edition acrylic double key chain 25 Kaiyukan admission voucher (1 adult) + Limited edition acrylic double key chain - Thank you email only 15,000 yen 50 Whale shark stuffed Whale shark+ bottom sand from the Pacific Ocean tank- 2 Kaiyukan admission vouchers (2 adult) + bottom sand from the Pacific Ocean tank 20,000 yen 10 Pacific white-sided dolphin-sided dolphin toy + Limited edition acrylic double key chain 5 Largha seal whiskers + "limited" acrylic double key chain 5 Ringed seal whiskers + "limited" acrylic double key chain 10 Shark egg shell + "limited" acrylic double key chain 30,000 yen 10 Ringed Ringed seal hair shed during molting + "limited" acrylic double key chain 1 Tufted puffin puffin beak coverts + "limited" acrylic double key chain 10 aquarium keeper night tour (4/22 10 people) 50,000 yen 2 Whale shark aquarium keeper set (Whale shark shark ladle + feeding bucket) 10 Whale shark Kaiyukan tooth + certificate from the director of Kaiyukan 100,000 yen 4 Whale shark feeding experience (3/5 and 3/12: 2 people per day, 1 person each in the AM and PM) 4 Ringed seal feeding experience (4/1 and 4/2: 2 people per day AM/PM 1 person each) 1 aquarium keeper experience Fish course (4/23 Feeding and cleaning experience, Feeding observation 1 person) 1 aquarium keeper experience Marine mammal course (4/22 Feeding and cleaning experience, Feeding observation 1 person) 300,000 yen - Premium tour around Kaiyukan with the director *Content may change or be canceled without notice. ▲ Whale shark teeth and certificate ▲ Whale shark feeding ▲ Shark egg shell (Brownbanded bambooshark) ▲ "Limited"Southern rockhopper penguin feather key chain --> ▲ Whale shark teeth and certificate ▲ Whale shark feeding ▲ Shark egg shell (Brownbanded bambooshark) ▲ "Limited"Southern rockhopper penguin feather key chain Learn more about Whale shark from the director of Kaiyukan. Whale shark migrate through the Pacific Ocean , the largest ocean on earth, and visit the coast of Japan through various regions. Its majestic appearance, swimming smoothly through the ocean as the sun shines through, makes us feel the beauty and dignity of life. I am endlessly interested in the ocean that has nurtured a wide variety of life, and the beauty and fascinating nature of the Earth. I think that studying the global migration ecology of Whale shark sharks and taking care to ensure that the relay of life can continue into the future will lead to thinking about the global environment. However, there are still many things we do not know about the lives of Whale shark. In fact, there are many things we do not know how to study them. There is not much that Kaiyukan can do alone, so we would like to continue to work together with people from various fields, moving forward one step at a time, and continuing our exploration. We also hope to tackle this issue together with people in areas where Whale shark live, not just in Japan. It may be difficult to get a real sense of what is happening in the ocean and in distant areas. However, by imagining the lives of Whale shark, we hope to connect the feelings of many people and pass on this beautiful ocean, Earth, and life to future generations. Hiroyuki Murakami, Director of Kaiyukan

2022.11.01

Research and studies

We measured the total length of a Whale shark!

On November 1st (Tuesday), which is "Weighting Day", we measured the total length and girth of the Whale shark that are being kept and exhibited in the "Pacific Ocean" tank in the Aquarium . The results are as follows. Total length Girth Estimated weight Estimated age Yu: 6m 00cm Last year (5m 85cm) 2m 35cm 1,650kg (1,500kg) 15-16 years old Umi: 5m 25cm Last year (4m 80cm) 2m 20cm 1,050kg (800kg) 7-8 years old *Starting this year, girth has also been measured in order to improve the accuracy of health management. At Kaiyukan , we measure the total length of Whale shark as part of ecological research and health management of Whale shark , whose ecology is still unknown. The total length is measured using a tape measure, which was achieved by training to touch the Whale shark' bodies while they were being fed. Through the Weighing Day, we hope to raise awareness of the natural environment by showing how the creatures are growing healthily and introducing Kaiyukan's health management efforts. [Comment from the person in charge] Both Yu and Kai grew well this year. Thanks to their daily training, the measurements went smoothly. Starting this year, we have also been measuring their waist circumference. By understanding their proportions, we can use this as a reference for feeding amounts, and we aim to improve the accuracy of our health management. We will continue to measure them regularly and make efforts to manage their health.

2022.10.28

Living creature information

[A huge flock of about 20,000 fish!] About 10,000 Japanese anchovy were delivered.

On Friday, October 28, 2022, about 10,000 Japanese anchovy were delivered from Mega Fishing Port in Hyogo Prefecture to the "Coast of Chile" tank . This is the first time that Japanese anchovy have been delivered this year. With this delivery, the number of Japanese anchovy on display in the "Coast of Chile" tank will be about 20,000, and you can see them dynamically swarming in the tank. At Kaiyukan, we hope to convey the wonder and wonder of the sea through the Japanese anchovy on display. [About Japanese anchovy] English name: Japanese anchovy Scientific name: Engraulis japonicus Japanese anchovy. They are found in the coastal areas from Hokkaido to the southern coast of Kyushu and in the Seto Inland Sea. They form large schools and swim near the surface near the coast. They grow to a maximum of about 20 cm, and the upper jaw of their wide-open mouth is noticeable, so they were given the name "katakuchi" (one-mouthed mouth). In the natural world, they support the ecosystem as an important food source for various marine organisms. [About the "Coast of Chile" tank] tank capacity: 250t Water temperature: 18℃ Exhibit area: 40㎡ The environment of the coast of Chile in South America is reproduced. This tank mainly exhibits Japanese anchovy and Japanese sardine. [Comment from the Japanese anchovy aquarium keeper] Japanese anchovy are small and weak, and serve as food for various marine organisms, but they are not eaten helplessly. They live in large schools to protect themselves from predators. In order to exhibit such schools, we must transport and bring in the Japanese anchovy while paying close attention to their delicate condition. We hope that many customers will be able to see the beauty of the larger schools of Japanese anchovy that will be created by the additional anchovies we have brought in this time.

2022.09.15

Living creature information

*Exhibition has ended. First exhibit at Kaiyukan! "Silver Jellyfish" exhibit has begun.

Kaiyukan first! The silver jellyfish will be exhibited for a limited time at the "Jellyfish" and special exhibition "Shifting Perspectives". *Exhibition has ended The silver jellyfish is a small jellyfish with a diameter of about 4 cm. What appears to be a single individual is actually a "colony" of multiple jellyfish, which is a rare ecology among jellyfish. It lives by drifting on the surface of the open ocean using a disk-shaped float in the center, but occasionally rides the tide to the coast. The individual exhibited this time was collected in a port near the Osaka Kaiyukan Biological Research Institute Iburi Center, a research facility of Kaiyukan in Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture. [Overview of the "Silver Jellyfish" Exhibition] Exhibition period: September 15, 2022 - Location: Kaiyukan 3F "Jellyfish" Entrance Building 4F Special Exhibition "Shifting Perspectives" Number of exhibits: 12 (approx. 4 cm in diameter) *The exhibition period and number of exhibits may change without notice depending on the condition of the creatures. [About the silver jellyfish] Scientific name: Porpita porpita. The name comes from the fact that the disc-shaped float resembles a silver coin. Each part that looks like a tentacle is an individual life form called a "zoon," and multiple zoons gather together to form a single silver jellyfish. This appearance is the "polyp stage," one stage in the life cycle of a jellyfish; the "medusa stage" that generally comes to mind when people think of jellyfish is very small, with an umbrella diameter of just a few millimeters.

2022.09.12

Living creature information

King penguin chicks were born!

~ Parent birds are raising their young in the "Antarctica" tank~ A King penguin chick was born on Thursday, August 25, 2022. The chick is currently spending time at the parent bird's feet and is growing well, occasionally peeking out when it is fed. About King penguin chicks Egg-laying date: June 30, 2022 Hatching date: August 25, 2022 Weight: 221.1g (hatching date) 730.4g (September 12) About King penguin Japanese name: King penguin English name: King penguin Scientific name: Aptenodytes patagonicus Lives in the areas around Antarctica. It is the second largest species of penguin, growing to about 90 cm in length and about 12 kg in weight. They don't build nests, but place the eggs on their feet and cover them with their belly skin to keep them warm. A total of 45 chicks have been born at Kaiyukan, including this one.