2024.10.21

news

The reopening date for the Great Barrier Reef tank, the world's largest coral reef, has been set for Thursday, November 28th.

The reopening date for the Great Barrier Reef tank has been set for Thursday, November 28, 2024. The Great Barrier Reef tank recreates the environment of the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral tank, which stretches along the northeastern coast of Australia, and has been loved by many visitors since its opening in 1990. The tank has been closed to the public since May 2023 due to a renewal of the exhibits with the theme of "the vitality of coral." We are currently making final adjustments for the reopening. Details of the Great Barrier Reef tank and its exhibits will be announced at a later date.

2024.10.04

Living creature information

The male whale shark "Kai" has arrived!

A male whale shark (nicknamed Kai, estimated age 7-8 years, total length 4.7m, estimated weight 700kg) was brought in on Kaiyukan, October 2nd, and opened to the public from Thursday, October 3rd. Of the two Whale shark kept at Whale shark , the male "Kai" was fitted with a small recording device (data logger) and released into his homeland, the Pacific Ocean , to begin investigating his migration route in the natural ocean. In addition, a male whale Whale shark that had been kept at Kaiyukan 's research laboratory in Kochi Prefecture was brought into the new "Pacific Ocean" tank. You can now see the two swimming together with the female "Yu". At Kaiyukan, the male whale Whale shark's nickname will continue to be "Kai". The newly arrived Whale shark " Umi" was caught in a fixed net in Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture on July 23, 2024, and was brought to the Iburi Center the following day. At the Iburi Center, feeding, health care training, and blood tests are carried out, and after being brought to the Kaiyukan, the two will be exhibited together with "Yu" while continuing to manage their health and conduct ecological research.

2024.09.03

Living creature information

Gentoo penguin and tufted Tufted puffin chicks were born

Parent birds are raising their young in the "Antarctica" and "Aleutian Islands" tank. On August 7, 2024, Gentoo penguin chick was born, and on August 18, one Tufted Tufted puffin chick was born. Gentoo penguin chick (photographed on August 28) Tufted puffin chick (photographed on September 3) The Gentoo penguin chick is currently living with its parent in the "Antarctica" tank. You can see the chicks occasionally feeding the chicks by mouth. Immediately after birth, they were so small that they were hidden by the parent's body and could not be seen, but now they have grown to weigh over 1 kg. The Tufted puffin chick was born when "Chirippu (male)", born at Kaiyukan in 2021, paired with a female for the first time. This is the first time that successive breeding of Tufted puffin(individuals born in the Aquarium are involved in breeding the next generation) has been carried out at Kaiyukan. Currently, the chicks are raising their young in a burrow in the "Aleutian Islands" tank , so you cannot see them or watch them raise their young, but they are expected to leave the nest in about 50 days. We hope to convey the wonder of the birth of life through the chicks of both species. tank in the "Antarctica" and "Aleutian Islands" tank raising their young About the chicks born this time [ Gentoo penguin] Egg-laying date: Sunday, June 30, 2024 Hatching date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Gender: Unknown Weight: 79.2g (immediately after hatching) Approximately 1200g (September 3rd) [ Tufted puffin] Egg-laying date: Monday, July 8, 2024 Hatching date: Sunday, August 18, 2024 Gender: Unknown Weight: 54.0g (immediately after hatching) Approximately 160g (September 3rd) Parent birds: Father "Chirippu" (born at Kaiyukan in 2021), mother "Kerochi"

2024.07.25

Research and studies

Artificial insemination using frozen sperm of Southern rockhopper penguin was successful

Following the first success in 2022, this is the second such achievement in the world! In a joint research project on artificial breeding of Southern rockhopper penguin conducted by Kaiyukan and Tokyo Rinkai Aquarium, Kaiyukan has successfully performed artificial insemination using frozen sperm. This is the second artificial insemination using frozen sperm in this species, following the world's first success achieved by both zoos in 2022, and the first success at Kaiyukan. A Southern rockhopper penguin chick that was found to have been artificially inseminated using frozen sperm (center photo: taken on July 20th) The chicks are currently being raised by their parents in the "Falkland Islands(Malvinas)" tank at Kaiyukan , and you can see them occasionally feeding the chicks by mouth. The chicks are growing well, and the aquarium keeper are watching over them while checking their health by weighing and observing them every morning. Results of the artificial insemination carried out this time Parent bird: female from Kaiyukan Father: male from Kasai Rinkai Aquarium Sperm processing: frozen storage Artificial insemination carried out on: April 19, 22, 24 Egg laying date: May 3 Hatching date: June 4 DNA test results: confirmed to be chicks produced by artificial insemination *Second case in the world Research on artificial breeding of the Southern rockhopper penguin Since 2011, Kaiyukan has been conducting research aimed at elucidating the breeding ecology of this species, which is at risk of extinction in the wild and whose captive population in Japan is also declining, and establishing artificial breeding techniques. Since 2016, the company has collaborated with Kasai Rinkai Aquarium, and in the same year, it succeeded in artificial insemination using liquid-preserved sperm, the first in the world. In 2017, the two zoos and aquariums signed a joint research agreement and have been working on freezing and preserving sperm in order to further advance research. It was revealed that a chick born at Kasai Rinkai Aquarium in 2022 was the result of artificial insemination using frozen sperm, the first successful case of this species in the world. This year, sperm was collected from a male kept at Kasai Rinkai Aquarium, frozen and stored, then transported and artificially inseminated a female at Kaiyukan. The eggs laid by the female who had been artificially inseminated hatched on June 4th (announced on June 10th, 2024), and a blood parentage test was performed, confirming the DNA of the male at Kasai Rinkai Aquarium and revealing that artificial insemination using frozen storage was successful. Kaiyukan and Kasai Rinkai Aquarium will further deepen their cooperative relationship and establish the technology for artificial insemination of this species. In addition, by spreading this technology to aquariums and zoos both in Japan and abroad, we hope to promote breeding and contribute to the preservation of the endangered wild species of the southern Southern rockhopper penguin. About the Southern Rockhopper Penguin English name: Southern Rockhopper Penguin Scientific name: Eudyptes chrysocome Classification: Order Sphenisciformes, Family Spheniscidae (IUCN Red List: VU (Endangered)) Distribution: Falkland Islands(Malvinas) and other islands around Antarctica Mature individuals are 45-58cm long and weigh 2.2-4.2kg. This is a small species of penguin, and it is said that it got its name from the fact that it moves by hopping between the rocks. They are characterized by their 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 have a somewhat feisty temperament compared to other penguins, and feed on small fish and krill.

2024.07.23

news

[From August 9th] "Kaiyukan Original Capsule Toy Wood Carving Figures" will be sold exclusively at the Kaiyukan Official Shop

\It's a surprise which creature you will get♪/Available for sale as a capsule toy (gachapon machine)! Starting Friday, August 9, 2024 (planned), the Kaiyukan Official Shop (3rd floor of the Entrance Building) will be selling the "Kaiyukan Original Southern rockhopper penguin Carving Figure" (500 yen (tax included) per turn / 5 types in total). The five types of creatures that will be available this time are the Whale shark, Spinetail devilray South American coati , southern rockhopper penguin, and ringed Ringed seal, which are kept and exhibited at Kaiyukan . Kaiyukan Original Capsule Toy Wood Carving Figure This figure was made by the famous wood sculptor "Hashimoto Mio", who actually visited Kaiyukan and drew the creatures himself for several days in the Aquarium, and then made a wood carving based on that, and created the figure based on this. It reproduces the warmth and fine texture unique to wood carving. The figures are of types that Hashimoto Mio has never made before, and are of popular creatures at Kaiyukan. Even the finer details, such as the crack at the tip of the Whale shark's tail fin, are reproduced, and the curves of each creature's body and movements give them a sense of realism that makes them seem as if they could start moving at any moment. Enjoy these figures of popular creatures that are only available at Kaiyukan, even at home. About the original figures [Product name] Kaiyukan original capsule toy wooden carving figures [Place of sale] Kaiyukan Official Shop, 3rd floor of the entrance building [Release date] Friday, August 9, 2024 (planned) - [Price] 500 yen (tax included) / 1 time Total of 5 types

2024.07.02

news

"Namima" - another sea has been born in the event plaza of Kaiyukan!

Starting on Friday, July 19, 2024, a new space called "Namima" will be available in the event plaza in front of Kaiyukan, where people can relax day or night. The roof, which resembles the surface of the water, will represent the ocean, with a whale shark swimming on the wall as the Whale shark, creating a cool space as if another ocean had appeared outside Kaiyukan. To allow visitors to Kaiyukan to relax in the event plaza, benches will be installed under the roof, and objects of the creatures living in Kaiyukan will be placed around them to welcome them. After sunset, the water surface roof, the Whale shark and other creature objects, and the benches will be transformed into light-up decorations that warmly illuminate the event plaza, allowing you to enjoy different atmospheres during the day and at night. "Namima" is designed to let you spend time surrounded by gentle waves, as if you were in the ocean. An opening ceremony will also be held on July 19th to commemorate the appearance of "Namima". We are looking for participants to help with the unveiling ceremony together with the director of Kaiyukan at the opening ceremony. This is limited to those who are registered as friends on Kaiyukan's official LINE account. ▲ Click here for the special website About "Namima" [Event period] Friday, July 19, 2024 ~ [Event location] Event plaza in front of the Kaiyukan Main Building [Fee] Free About the opening ceremony [Date and time] Friday, July 19, 2024 [Event location] Event plaza in front of the Kaiyukan Main Building [Contents] ① Unveiling ceremony by the director and guests ② Gospel mini concert Anointed mass choir... One of Japan's leading, nationwide mass choirs that expresses each person's message with heart harmony regardless of religion or occupation [Time] ① 10:30 ~ (about 20 minutes) ② 18:20 ~ (about 30 minutes) [Opening ceremony participants recruitment] ① We are looking for parent-child pairs (several pairs) to help with the unveiling ceremony, limited to the official LINE. If you would like to participate, please register as a friend during the following period. (If there are many applications, a lottery will be held) [Application period] 7/2 14:00 - 7/9 23:59 Add as a friend here Night illumination [Time] After sunset - 21:00 (planned) *Lighting times may change depending on the season

2024.07.01

Living creature information

A Southern rockhopper penguin chick was born.

You can see how they raise their young in the exhibition tank. On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, a Southern rockhopper penguin chick was born. Currently, the parents are raising their young in the "Falkland Islands (Malvinas)" tank , where Southern rockhopper penguin are bred and exhibited, and you can see them occasionally feeding the chicks by mouth. The chicks are growing well, and the aquarium keeper are watching over them while checking their health by weighing them and observing them every morning. ★The second chick was born this year on Saturday, June 22. Both the first and second chicks are growing well. *The exhibition period and number of exhibits may change without notice depending on the condition of the creatures. In addition, we will hold a special event called "Relaxed Rockhopper!" where the chicks, which are not usually available to the public, will be weighed and explained by the aquarium keeper. For details and to apply, click here. Southern rockhopper penguin parent and child (photographed on June 6th) About Southern rockhopper penguin chicks [Hatching date] Wednesday, June 4th, 2024 [Exhibition location] Entrance building 4F "Falkland Islands (Malvinas)"tank[Gender] Unknown [Weight] 63.8g (immediately after hatching) Approximately 177g (as of June 10th) → Approximately 1.4kg (as of July 1st) Raising the second chick (photographed on June 26th) About the second Southern Southern rockhopper penguin chick [Hatching date] Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 [Exhibition location] Entrance building 4F "Falkland Islands (Malvinas)"tank[Gender] Unknown [Weight] 64.8g (immediately after hatching) Approximately 200g (as of July 1st)

2024.06.19

news

[Notice] About the Ringed seal Mizore

Today, June 19, 2024, we received a notice that Mizore, a Ringed seal born at Kaiyukan and living at Otaru Aquarium, has passed away. We are very saddened by this sudden news. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone at Otaru Aquarium who has cherished and exhibited Mizore up until now. Mizore is the first ringed Ringed seal to breed at Kaiyukan on April 1, 2021. Immediately after birth, symptoms such as hypothermia were observed, so the aquarium keeper cared for her 24 hours a day, and she was then raised by Japan's first fully artificial rearing. The story was reported on Kaiyukan official YouTube channel, SNS, and the aquarium keeper' blog "Kaiyukan Diary," teaching us the strength of life along with her adorable appearance. Even after her debut in the "Arctic Region" tank, her adorable communication with the aquarium keeper and her playfulness with the divers were very popular, and not only did Mizore's fans always gather in front of the exhibition tank, but she also created communication among the fans and made new connections. We are truly sorry to hear this sad news, but we will continue to treasure the fond memories and connections that "Mizore" has left behind. Thank you so much to all the fans who have supported "Mizore" up until now. Rest in peace. Thank you, Mizore.

2024.05.30

Research and studies

~Conservation project for the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef~ We are taking on the challenge of crowdfunding

~An effort to protect the world's largest coral reef~We are taking on crowdfunding for the "Great Barrier Reef Conservation Project Connected to Kaiyukan". Since its opening in 1990, Kaiyukan has been conveying the natural environment and the ecology of the creatures living there through the display of the "Great Barrier Reef" tank, which reproduces the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef that spreads across northeastern Australia. The tank is currently undergoing renovation work with the theme of "the vitality of coral" (scheduled to open in autumn 2024). After conducting on-site diving surveys in preparation for the tank renovation, we have once again felt a strong desire to let more people know about the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the wonder of life, and have decided to take on crowdfunding. The donations you have made, along with a contribution from Kaiyukan, will be donated to local NPOs working to conserve the Great Barrier Reef environment. Through this initiative, we hope to not only convey information about the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs, but also that Kaiyukan will act as a bridge to connect the thoughts of each supporter to a future of rich oceans. About this crowdfunding campaign Use of funds Donated to the NPO "Great Barrier Reef Legacy" to support Great Barrier Reef conservation activities Implementation period Monday, June 3, 2024 to Wednesday, July 31, 2024 Target amount 10 million yen Format All-in format (will be carried out even if the target amount is not reached) Platform READYFOR About "Great Barrier Reef Legacy" An NPO established for the purpose of environmental conservation of the Great Barrier Reef. Based in Queensland, Australia, it has been conducting research and education on coral reefs for over 35 years, and in recent years has also been working on a "biobank" project aimed at protecting coral. Introducing some of the return gifts We plan to prepare various return gifts related to Kaiyukan. ▲Colorful coral eco keychain ▲Ocean-friendly flat pouch ▲ Whale shark feeding experience ▲Coral aquarium keeper experience *Content may change or be canceled without notice. Message from the Director of Kaiyukan The Earth, the Sea, the Sun, and Coral In September 2019, while moving forward with plans to renovate the exhibition tank, I had the opportunity to participate in a diving survey of the Great Barrier Reef. I thought I had a good understanding of the local nature and coral reefs from books, photos, and videos. The underwater experience of the Great Barrier Reef was filled with sunlight, and I was overwhelmed by the magnificent scenery of huge coral reefs towering from the white sand. The curtains of light created by the waves flickered, illuminating the corals. I truly hope to experience the magnificent sea, the presence of the sun... and the Earth, known as the miracle star and water planet, and pass on this nature to future generations. Director of Kaiyukan Murakami Hiroyuki

2024.04.17

Living creature information

"Chibiuso" and his friends are finally making their debut! The three Asian small clawed otter brothers born last year will be making their appearance in "Japan Forest"

Starting Wednesday, April 24, 2024, three male Asian Asian small clawed otter otter brothers, "Hinoki," "Buna," and "Myoga," will make their debut in the "Japan Forest" tank. In August 2023, four baby Asian small clawed otter were born. This is the first time in 10 years that Asian small-clawed Asian small clawed otter have been bred at Kaiyukan . While the parents are raising their young in the backyard, we have been introducing them on Instagram Live and in the Kaiyukan Diary blog under the title "Chibiuso," including their weight measurement every morning, weaning training at about 40 days after birth, and playing with Kaiyukan. This time, the three will appear in the "Japan Forest" along with the adult "Miu," who currently lives with them in the backyard. The exhibition tank is full of "firsts" for Chibiuso, including a deeper and wider pool than the backyard, a waterfall, and Ayu sweetfish swimming underwater. We hope you will continue to watch over Chibiuso as they grow up while being exposed to new stimuli. Shii, the only female of the four siblings, made her early exhibition debut with her mother Senti at NIFREL(NIFREL, Osaka). From left: Miu with her three siblings Myoga, Buna, and Hinoki (photographed on April 16th) Exhibition information Date and time: Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 - Exhibition location: 7th and 8th floors of the Aquarium Individuals in the Japan Forest tank Nicknames: Hinoki, Buna, and Myoga *All males living together: Miu, 5 years old, male, brought in from Hong Kong Ocean Park in 2021 *Exhibition period and number of exhibits may change without notice depending on the condition of the creatures.