2022.08.04

news

The "stuffed whale shark with Whale shark " is now complete, packed with the aquarium keeper ' attention to detail!

Supervised by the aquarium keeper! A whale Whale shark stuffed animal with attention to detail has been completed! A stuffed animal with attention to detail has been completed, including the gills, which are invisible from the outside and have the function of filtering out the food that is sucked in, and even the inside. Let's get closer to the secret of how the whale shark, the world's largest fish, eats, which still has many mysteries! Whale shark stuffed Whale shark Whale shark at Kaiyukan Official Shop, Kaiyukan Official Shop Online Price 3,630 yen (tax included) Inquiries Kaiyukan Information: 06-6576-5501 World's first...!? A stuffed animal with a Whale shark 'Whale shark gills reproduced faithfully under the supervision of the aquarium keeper! Each gill has a hole the size of a finger. The whale shark has a huge Whale shark, but its food is very small plankton. When it eats, it sucks in the food along with the seawater with its large mouth, then opens its gills and releases only the seawater from its body. In order to recreate the way this Whale shark shark eats, we made holes in its gills, and we also paid particular attention to making the pattern inside realistic. What are gill rakers? The secret of Whale shark' meals Whale shark sharks have black sponge-like filters called gill rakers in their mouths, which catch food. Thanks to the gill rakers, they can eat without the food flowing out of their gills along with the seawater. These gill rakers are also realistically reproduced, so take a good look into the back of their big mouth! There are many other details that are overflowing with the love of Whale shark! In addition to the gills and inside of the mouth, we paid particular attention to the shape of the Whale shark, as well as the position and shape of its pectoral, dorsal and pelvic fins, and even the tail fin. While we paid particular attention to the shape, it is very plump to the touch. If you put your hands or fingers into the mouth or gills, you will feel as if you are being swallowed by the Whale shark... In addition, there are males with claspers (reproductive organs) on the ventral side and females without them! You can choose whichever you like. Also, the tag of the stuffed animal has a mini picture book that describes the points that the Whale shark aquarium keeper pay particular attention to.

2022.08.01

Living creature information

The Gentoo penguin chicks are growing fast!

Weight: The baby has grown 23 times since hatching, and has recently been seen leaving its parents and spending time around the nest. It will grow to be almost the same size as its parents in about a month, and the chicks' "down feathers" will fall out and be replaced with the same feathers as adults. After that, it will leave its parents and live alone in about a month. Gentoo penguin parent and child (photographed on July 27) Gentoo penguin parent and child (photographed on July 27) Gentoo penguin parent and child (photographed on July 27) Gentoo penguin parent and child (photographed on July 27) --> [Comment from the aquarium keeper] It has been seen asking its parents for food, and it is growing well, eating and sleeping well. Until now, it has mostly spent time with its parents in the nest, but recently it seems to have become interested in things outside the nest, and it has begun to be seen leaving the nest and walking around the area. It will probably take a little longer for it to leave the nest, but we hope you will continue to watch its growth. About Gentoo penguin Chicks Egg laying date: May 14, 2022 Hatching date: June 23, 2022 Chick weight: 85.2g (immediately after birth), 1928g (as of July 25) About Gentoo penguin English name: Gentoo penguin Scientific name: Pygoscelis papua They live on the Antarctic Peninsula and islands around Antarctica. They are about 75cm long and have a distinctive white spot on the top of their head. They build shallow crater-shaped nests on small hills using weeds, twigs, and pebbles, and females usually lay two eggs at a time, which the male and female take turns warming. The eggs hatch 35 to 40 days after laying, and the male and female work together to raise them. They eat small fish, krill, squid, etc. English name: Gentoo penguin Scientific name: Pygoscelis papua It lives on the Antarctic Peninsula and islands around Antarctica. It is about 75 cm long and has a distinctive white spot on the top of its head. It builds a shallow crater-shaped nest on a small hill using weeds, twigs, and pebbles, and the female usually lays two eggs at a time, which the male and female take turns incubating. The eggs hatch 35 to 40 days after laying, and the male and female work together to raise them. They eat small fish, krill, squid, etc. -->

2022.07.29

Living creature information

*Thank you to everyone who applied! We are looking for nicknames for our two baby California sea lion!

They are growing up well! We are looking for nicknames for the two baby California sea lion born this year. The nicknames will be announced in early September. The application has ended. Thank you for all your applications. Baby California sea lion looking for nicknames (photographed on July 28, 2021) The two baby California sea lion lions born in June this year are being raised by their mother in the "Monterey Bay" tank. Recently, they have been seen diving deep underwater alone away from their mother and spending time together. [Comments from the aquarium keeper] Both are growing well, and their personalities are gradually starting to show. The child-rearing of California sea lion continues for about a year after birth, but with an eye on becoming independent, we are training them to get used to the aquarium keeper by approaching the babies and touching their bodies, as well as focusing on "enrichment" efforts, which stimulate their lives by occasionally giving them ice and drawing out their behavioral repertoire. We are looking forward to watching the two grow up in the future. Click here to vote for nicknames (dedicated form) Nickname voting overview Voting period: Friday, July 29, 2022, 14:00 to Wednesday, August 24, 17:00 Scheduled announcement: Early September 2022 (Planned to be announced at Kaiyukan , on the website, on various SNS, etc.) How to vote: Please vote using the dedicated form. Please enter the "nicknames" of the two animals and the "feelings you put into the nicknames." *Each person is limited to one vote. Selection method: A rigorous selection will be made from the submitted proposals to determine the winner. About the first baby (nicknamed Nami) ■ Date of birth: 4:28 AM, Sunday, June 19, 2022 ■ Place of birth: Inside the "Monterey Bay" tank at the Aquarium ■ Father: Mitch (12 years old) ■ Mother: Nami (11 years old) ■ Body length: Approximately 85 cm (July 28, 2022, estimated) ■ Weight: 16.0 kg (July 28, 2022, actual measurement) ■ Gender: Male About the second baby (nicknamed Asuka) ■ Date of birth: 3:23 AM, Sunday, June 22, 2022 ■ Place of birth: Inside the "Monterey Bay" tank at the Aquarium ■ Father: Mitch (12 years old) ■ Mother: Asuka (12 years old) ■Body length: Approximately 80 cm (July 28, 2022, estimated) ■Weight: 14.0 kg (July 28, 2022, actual measurement) ■Gender: Female

2022.07.05

Research and studies

A world first! Successful artificial insemination using frozen sperm from Southern rockhopper penguin!

A world first! A joint research project with Kasai Rinkai Aquarium! Successful artificial insemination using frozen sperm of the Southern rockhopper penguin has been confirmed. Kaiyukan and Kasai Rinkai Aquarium (Tokyo) have jointly worked on artificial insemination of the Southern rockhopper penguin, and have succeeded in artificial insemination using frozen sperm, a world first for this species. In 2011, Kaiyukan began research aimed at elucidating the breeding ecology of this species, which is at risk of extinction in the wild, and establishing artificial breeding techniques. In 2016, they collaborated with Kasai Rinkai Aquarium, and in the same year, they succeeded in artificial breeding using liquid-preserved sperm, the first in the world. In 2017, the two zoos signed a joint research agreement and began research into freezing and preserving sperm to further develop their efforts. Last year, sperm was collected from the Southern rockhopper penguin kept at Kaiyukan , frozen and transported, and artificial insemination was performed on a female penguin at Kasai Rinkai Aquarium. One female, which was artificially inseminated, laid two eggs on April 4th and 8th, and one chick was born on May 8th. A DNA test using her blood revealed that the chick was artificially inseminated using frozen sperm. Unfortunately, the hatched chick died on May 10th. Results of the artificial insemination Parent birds Mother: Tokyo Rinkai Aquarium female Father: Osaka Kaiyukan male Sperm processing Frozen storage *World's first Artificial insemination date March 28th and 31st Egg laying date April 4th Hatching date May 8th DNA test result The chick was artificially inseminated Future efforts Kaiyukan and Tokyo Rinkai Aquarium will further deepen their cooperative relationship and establish the technology for artificial insemination of this species. In addition, we hope to spread this technology to aquariums and zoos both in Japan and overseas to promote breeding and contribute to the conservation of the endangered wild Southern rockhopper penguin species. About the Southern rockhopper penguin English name: Eudyptes chrysocome Scientific name: Southern Rockhopper Penguin Mature individuals reach 45-58cm in length and weigh 2.2-4.2kg. This is a small species of penguin, and is said to have gotten its name from the way it moves by hopping around on the rocks. They are characterized by yellow crest feathers above their eyes, and build nests out of pebbles and weeds on coastal rocks. Females usually lay two eggs per breeding. They are somewhat temperamental compared to other penguins, and feed on small fish and krill.

2022.07.04

Living creature information

Gentoo penguin chicks were born!

~ Parent birds are raising their young in the "Antarctica" tank~ Eggs were confirmed on May 14th, and pecking (pecking the eggs from the inside with their beaks before the chicks hatch) began on June 21st, but the chicks had not hatched even after 48 hours, which is the estimated time for hatching to be complete, so the aquarium keeper assisted by opening the egg shells and other measures, and the chicks were born. The chicks are currently living under their parents' bellies, and we can see them feeding from their parents by mouth. We weigh them every morning, and they are gaining weight, so they are growing well. Gentoo penguin chicks (photographed June 26th) Parenting (photographed June 28th) [Comments from the aquarium keeper] We were a little worried because it took a long time for the chicks to hatch, but we are relieved and happy to see them getting food from their parents and growing bigger every day. It may be difficult to see the chicks now, but we think we will be able to see them leaving the nest in about a month. We hope you will join us in watching their growth. About the chicks that hatched this time Date of egg laying: May 14, 2022 Date of hatching: June 23, 2022 Size: Weight 85.2g (immediately after birth), Weight 377.1g (as of July 4) About the Gentoo penguin English name: Gentoo penguin Scientific name: Pygoscelis papua It lives on the Antarctic Peninsula and islands around Antarctica. It is about 75 cm long and is characterized by a white spot on the top of its head. It builds a shallow crater-shaped nest on a small hill with weeds, twigs, and pebbles, and the female usually lays two eggs at a time, and the male and female take turns warming them. The eggs hatch 35 to 40 days after laying, and the male and female work together to raise the young. They eat small fish, krill, squid, etc.

2022.06.22

Living creature information

~Second baby born~ California sea lion baby born

Two baby California sea lion were born in the "Monterey Bay" tank ! Including the two newborns, 18 California sea lion have been born at Kaiyukan . About the baby born on June 19th (as of June 19, 2022) Date of birth: Sunday, June 19, 2022 Place of birth: Inside the "Monterey Bay" tank on the 7th floor Body length: Approximately 60 cm (estimated) Weight: 8.85 kg (actual measurement) Gender: Male About the baby born on June 22nd (as of June 23, 2022) Date of birth: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 Place of birth: Inside the "Monterey Bay " tank on the 7th floor Body length: Approximately 55 cm (estimated) Weight: 8.68 kg (actual measurement) Gender: Female About California sea lion sea lions: Carnivora, Otariidae. They live only on the eastern coast of the North Pacific Ocean Ocean. When fully grown, males reach a length of about 200 cm and a weight of about 300 kg, while females reach a length of about 170 cm and a weight of about 100 kg. Males are dark brown, while females are a slightly lighter dark brown. Their limbs are well developed, which are useful for swimming in the water as well as walking on land. They are polygamous, with one male leading about 30 females and children to form a group called a "harem." In the wild, mating season is from May to June, and the gestation period is about one year. Usually, one child is born at a time, and the baby continues to be breastfed for about one year after birth. Females reach sexual maturity at about 3 to 4 years old, and males at about 5 years old, and are involved in reproduction. ■Comment from the aquarium keeper in charge of the California sea lion : Following the birth on June 19, we were able to safely welcome two births at Kaiyukan for the first time in four years. In the birth, we worked with veterinarians to predict the time of birth and paid attention to changes in weight and physical condition, which allowed us to safely deliver the baby. The team will work together to ensure that the two newborns grow up healthy.

2022.06.01

Research and studies

Three species of creatures bred at Kaiyukan have been certified as the first to be bred in Japan.

Three species of creatures bred at Kaiyukan have been certified as the first breeding in Japan! Striped catshark (juvenile) Blue-spotted ray (juvenile) Indo-Pacific sergeant(juvenile) "First breeding certification" is a certification given to species that meet certain conditions for the first breeding in Japan, with the aim of improving breeding techniques in captivity at member zoos and aquariums of the Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) and the accumulation of such techniques contributing academically as one of the biological records. Of the three species certified this time, the number of days until hatching of the striped catshark, as well as the size and age at maturity in Kaiyukan, have been determined. 13 species of creatures, including those that received the former breeding award, have been certified for breeding for the first time at Kaiyukan, and we will continue to elucidate the ecology and appeal of the creatures through their exhibition and breeding, as well as contribute to various research activities related to species preservation and environmental conservation. Staff comment This time, we have succeeded in breeding three species for the first time in Japan. I am very happy that breeding at an aquarium means that the creatures are being raised well. Until now, the age at which the pyjama shark matured was unknown, but a female born at Kaiyukan in 2015 laid eggs last year, and although it is in captivity, the age and size of this species at maturity have been determined. In this way, by not only breeding but also recording the process and progress, we can get closer to elucidating the ecology, even if only little by little, so we hope to continue to actively promote the breeding of various species. About the pyjama shark English name: Pyjama shark Scientific name: Poroderma africanum A species of shark that is endemic to the coast of South Africa and belongs to the family Poroderma. The name comes from the characteristic vertical stripes on the surface of the body. It has been kept at Kaiyukan since 2005, and the first breeding took place in 2014. It is currently being kept in the back yard. About the bluespotted stingray English name: Bluespotted stingray Scientific name: Neotrygon kuhlii A type of stingray belonging to the family Whip stingray that is distributed from Hokkaido south to the Indian Ocean. It has blue and gray spots on its back. They have been kept at Kaiyukan since 2013, and bred in 2017. They are currently kept and exhibited at the "Aqua Gate." About Indo-Pacific sergeant English name: Indo-Pacific sergeant Scientific name: Abudefduf vaigiensis A type of damselfish that lives widely in warm, shallow waters such as coral reefs and coastal reefs, including those in Japan. They grow to about 20 cm in length, and are characterized by five stripes on their sides. The Indo-Pacific sergeant that was successfully bred this time began to be kept in 2019, and bred successfully in 2020. They are currently kept and exhibited at the "Aqua Gate," the "Great Barrier Reef" tank, and the "Maldives Islands"tank.

2022.04.25

Living creature information

The last Wednesday of May (May 25th) is "World Otter Day"! The Kaiyukan will be holding an otter event!

In honor of "World Otter Day" on Wednesday, May 25th, we plan to hold a variety of events both online and offline. *Information will be released in due course. Event List ． COMING SOON ． Kaiyukan x Tennoji Zoo x Kochi Prefectural Noichi Zoo Joint Online Talk Event ． COMING SOON ． COMING SOON 1. COMING SOON 1. Kaiyukan x Tennoji Zoo x Kochi Prefectural Noichi Zoo Joint Online Talk Event The three zoos will hold a joint event, "For the Future of Otters - Thoughts on the Japanese River Otter." They will talk about the Japanese river otters that once inhabited Japan and the otters living today, using specimens and materials. Date and Time: Saturday, May 21st, 10:00-, 14:00- (each session approximately 60 minutes) *Ended Click here for details 2. A joint livestreaming event by eight zoos and aquariums in the Kansai region, "Look! Listen! - World Otter Day - Relay Broadcast from Eight Kansai Zoos!" will be held. Eight zoos and aquariums in the Kansai region will give a relay-style talk about otters in an easy-to-understand way. Date and Time: Sunday, May 22nd, 9:00-16:45 *Ended Click here for details 3. Kaiyukan Living Creatures Salon "Kansai Otter Journey" An offline event will be held at the paid membership salon, Kaiyukan Living Creatures Salon! The event will feature stories of zookeepers in charge of otters, as well as places in the Kansai region that are associated with otters, otter exhibits at zoos and Kaiyukan, and their involvement with aquarium keeper. Date and Time: Sunday, May 29th, 13:00-14:00 *In addition to the event participation fee, this event requires membership to the Kaiyukan Living Creatures Salon (300 yen/month). Kaiyukan Living Creatures Salon

2022.03.18

Living creature information

April 1st is the birthday of the Ringed seal"Mizore"! There will be lots of related events and merchandise!

On April 1, 2021, the Ringed seal Mizore will celebrate his first birthday. The entire Kaiyukan and Tempozan Harbor Village will celebrate! List of activities . Ice birthday cake giveaway! . Birthday commemorative YouTube live . Online event "Happy 1st Birthday Mizore! Talk Live" held . Growth record collection "Mizore - Ringed seal Growth Record" on sale . Life-size "Mizore Plush Toy" supervised by aquarium keeper on sale . Candy craft to commemorate Mizore's birthday 1. Ice birthday cake giveaway! When feeding in the "Arctic Region" tank, we will give you ice with food in the shape of a birthday cake. Date and time: April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, from 14:20 each (approx. 10 minutes) 2. Birthday commemorative YouTube live "Arctic Region" will be live-streamed from the tank to show Mizore's feeding! Date and time: April 1, 2022, 14:20 (scheduled) Location: Near the "Arctic Region" tank in the Aquarium URL: https://youtu.be/SLa2RBu1vos 3. Online event "Congratulations on Mizore's 1st birthday! Talk live" will be held. We will look back on Mizore's life from birth to now with many photos. It is an online talk live using Zoom! Date and time: April 2 (Sat) and 3 (Sun) 13:15-14:30 Fee: 3,300 yen (tax included, sold only on the web) For more information, click here 4. Growth record collection "Mizore - Ringed seal growth record" on sale We will look back on Mizore's growth and the efforts of the aquarium keeper for about a year before her birth with photos from that time. Sales location: Kaiyukan official shop, KAIYUKAN official shop onlineSales period: April 1st - until sold outSales price: 1,980 yen (tax included) Visit KAIYUKAN official shop online 5. Supervised by aquarium keeper! Life-size "Mizore stuffed animal" on saleUnder the supervision of Kaiyukan aquarium keeper, a limited number of stuffed animals that reproduce the length and weight at the time of birth will be sold.Sales date and time: From April 1st (Friday) (Reservations will start)Sales location: KAIYUKAN official shop online Visit KAIYUKAN official shop online 6. Candy crafts to commemorate Mizore's birthdayCandy crafts to commemorate Mizore's first birthday will be sold, limited to 5 per day.Sales location: Tempozan Marketplace 2F "Candy Amenotori"Sales period: April 1st - 14th, 2022 (irregular holidays, check here for details)Sales price: 900 yen (tax included)

2022.02.18

Living creature information

Splendid alfonsino on display in the "Japan Deep" tank

Starting Friday, February 18, 2022, we will be breeding and exhibiting Splendid alfonsino in the "Japan Deep" tank in the Aquarium . This will be the first time Splendid alfonsino have been exhibited at Kaiyukan since 2008. Aquarium: "Japan Deep" tank Species: Splendid alfonsino *Exhibition may end without notice depending on the physical condition of the creature. Splendid alfonsino English name: Splendid alfonsino Scientific name: Splendid alfonsino splendens A deep-sea fish that lives at depths of 200m or more and belongs to the family Splendid alfonsino , order Japanese seabass , subfamily Japanese seabass, family Sparidae). The individual brought in this time was collected and transported in cooperation with fishermen in Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture. Splendid alfonsino are difficult to breed after collection, and not many aquariums exhibit them.