2024.01.19

news

Kaiyukan welcomes its 85 millionth visitor

On Friday, January 19, 2024, we welcomed our 85 millionth visitor. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of you who have visited us so far. We will continue to work hard to convey the excitement of our creatures to you. Scenes from the commemorative ceremony

2024.01.17

Living creature information

We have started exhibiting "Magaki" *The exhibit has now ended.

These are oysters from Osaka Bay. *Exhibition has ended. Oysters are farmed in Osaka Bay, which faces the Kaiyukan. Oysters improve the water quality by eating plankton, and the oyster farms, called "oyster shelves," are also home to many small creatures. Oyster farming in Osaka Bay began in 2016 by the Nishi-Tottori Fisheries Cooperative Association in Hannan City, and has become a local specialty. In order to convey that Osaka Kaiyukan is a rich sea where high-quality oysters grow, Kaiyukan has been exhibiting oysters farmed by the same fisheries cooperative since last year, only during the winter. Location: Seasonal Exhibits in the Aquarium . Species: Oyster *Exhibition may end without notice. Oyster: A bivalve mollusks native to East Asia, widely distributed in coastal areas around Japan. Their ecology of filtering and feeding on plankton and suspended organic matter in the sea contributes greatly to purifying the water quality of the sea in which they live. They are also widely known for their food, and in Osaka Bay, oyster farming has been taking place off the coast of Senshu in the south since around 2016.

2023.12.05

Living creature information

Additional exhibits of Arctic creatures collected by aquarium keeper in the Arctic! Exhibit work open to the public

In the "Arctic Region" of the Aquarium , 40 creatures of 10 species collected by the aquarium 'aquarium keeper will be exhibited. From 11:00 on Friday, December 8, 2023, the aquarium keeper will provide an explanation while watching the display work in the "Arctic Region" Aquarium . For about one month from June 28 to August 1, 2023, the aquarium keeper accompanied the Arctic voyage survey conducted by Hokkaido University's training ship "Oshoro Maru" and collected about 400 creatures of 40 species, including fish, shrimp, and crabs. Some creatures, such as sea angels, have been on display since August 4, and this time, 40 new creatures of 10 species will be exhibited, including the " Snailfish sp., " which will be exhibited for the first time at Kaiyukan . ▲ Snailfish sp.(first time exhibiting species at Kaiyukan) ▲ Wattle eel pout (first time exhibiting species at Kaiyukan) About the "Public Opening of Exhibition Work" Date and time: Friday, December 8, 2023 11:00-11:15 (approximately 15 minutes) Exhibition location: 3F of the Aquarium entrance building "Arctic Region" exhibit Species: 2 species in total, including the wattle eel pout *The exhibition period and number of exhibits may change without notice depending on the condition of the creatures.

2023.11.13

news

Announcement of the mini exhibition "Osaka Bay is a great place!"

This is a special exhibition showcasing the richness and charm of Osaka Bay! This special exhibition will introduce the great things about Osaka Bay from various angles, including its fishing industry and local cuisine, the connections between the creatures living in Osaka Bay, and the aquarium keeper' top picks for Osaka Bay. There will also be an Common octopus tank on display, and a video about the fishing industry in Osaka Bay. About the mini special exhibition "Great Places in Osaka Bay!" Period: Friday, November 10, 2023 - Monday, November 4, 2024 (National Holiday) Location: Kaiyukan Main Building 4F (Viewing Room) Admission: Free (included in Kaiyukan admission fee)

2023.11.09

news

[From November 17th] Winter illuminations decorate Kaiyukan

Kaiyukan Illumination Period: 2023.11.17 - 2024.3.3 (excluding the closed days of 2024.1.10-11) Location: Around Kaiyukan Illumination time: 17:00 - 21:15 Fee: Free to view The theme of this year's Kaiyukan illumination is "ReStart". This year, with the birth of new creatures such as the Southern rockhopper penguin, King penguin, and Asian Small-clawed Asian small clawed otter, and the "Great Barrier Reef" tank , which reproduces the sea of ​​the world's largest coral reef, undergoing renovation work for its opening in September 2024, the theme is our desire to move forward toward a bright future. Please enjoy the night exhibition together with " KAIYUKAN Night Aquarium (every day from 17:00 to closing)" inside the Aquarium . Directing: A collaboration of music and light Every 15 minutes from 5pm, the winter illuminations will be decorated with bright music and warm lights inspired by "ReStart," as well as calming music that combines natural sounds such as the sounds of waves and the cries of Kaiyukan's creatures with light effects that evoke the blue of the ocean. (Each performance lasts approximately 2 minutes) Sculpture: Creature objects supervised by aquarium keeper Objects of creatures living at Kaiyukan will appear around Kaiyukan . Each creature was supervised by the aquarium keeper in charge. Look up close and see how realistic they are while trying to figure out what kind of creatures are there♪ Lighting Ceremony: You can also enjoy the illumination lighting ceremony by Marine Mates from 5pm. (Approximately 5 minutes) [Dates] 11/17, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11/18 to 12/3, and every day from 12/4 to 1/8

2023.11.01

Research and studies

We measured the overall length of the Whale shark and publicly weighed the King penguin chicks!

On November 1st (Wednesday), 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 10cm Last year (6m 00cm) 2m 62cm Last year (2m 35cm) 1,700kg (1,650kg) 16-17 years old Umi: 5m 40cm Last year (5m 25cm) 2m 34cm Last year (2m 20cm) 1,150kg (1,050kg) 8-9 years old *Since last year, we have also been measuring girth 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 was measured using a tape measure, and this method was achieved by training the participants to touch the bodies of whale Whale shark while they were being fed. In addition, we conducted public weight measurements of the king King penguin chicks born in August and September of this year. We weigh the chicks every morning to observe their growth and understand their health, but in order to share the growth of the chicks, we conducted the weight measurements in front of the guests while explaining about King penguin and chicks. The results of the weight measurements are as follows. Weight immediately after birth Weight on November 1st Chicks hatched on August 11, 2023 171.9g 11.04kg Chicks hatched on September 3, 2023 210.0g 6.90kg *The weight of the chicks hatched on September 3, 2023 was measured on the morning of November 1st. Through the Weighing Day, we hope to introduce the healthy growth of creatures and the health management efforts of Kaiyukan, and to encourage interest in the natural environment.

2023.10.24

Research and studies

~ November 1st is "Measurement Day" ~ Divers measure the total length of Whale shark

On November 1, 2023 (Sunday), which is "Weighting Day", the total length of the Whale shark will be measured. At Kaiyukan, we measure the total length of whale sharks as part of ecological research and health management of Whale shark, whose ecology is still unknown. The total length is measured with a tape measure, which was achieved by training to touch the Whale shark's body while it is being fed. Since last year, in order to improve the accuracy of health management, we have been measuring the girth in addition to the total length. In addition, on the same day, we will measure the Kaiyukan and provide an explanation of two King penguin chicks living in the "Antarctica" tank , in order to let people know about the health management efforts that Whale shark is working on on a daily basis. About the measurement of whale sharks Date and time: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 10:30-10:40 Location: "Pacific Ocean" tank Individual measured: Yu (female), estimated age 16-17 years old *Measurements may be canceled without notice depending on the condition of the creatures. ※Last year's measurement results are here. About the Whale shark: ■English name: Whale shark ■Scientific name: Rhincodon typus A large shark that lives in temperate to tropical coasts and the open ocean, it appears in the waters off Japan from spring to autumn on the King penguin chicks Date and time: Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 11:25 to 11:30 Location: "Antarctica" tank measured: ①Chicks hatched on August 11, 2023 ②Chicks hatched on September 3, 2023 Total of 2 Note: During the measurement, the tank aquarium keeper will provide an explanation to the customers. *Depending on the situation, the content may be changed or canceled without notice. About Metrology Memorial Day: Metrology systems are the most fundamental systems of the economy and society, and are fundamental to all areas of people's lives. Setting standards for measurements and ensuring proper measurements is extremely important for protecting daily life, as well as for economic development and cultural improvement. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has designated November 1st as "Metrology Memorial Day" and November as "Metrology Emphasis Month" in commemoration of November 1st, 1993, when the current Measurement Act came into effect, with the aim of popularizing the metrology system and raising metrology awareness throughout society. (From the website of the Japan Metrology Promotion Association)

2023.10.20

Research and studies

We have begun our second Whale shark survey since crowdfunding.

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, a recording device was attached to the Whale shark kept at the Osaka Kaiyukan Biological Research Institute Iburi Center (Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture, commonly known as the Iburi Center), a research institute of the Kaiyukan Kaiyukan Kaiyukan, and an investigation was started to clarify the ecology of the Whale shark, such as their migration routes. Since 2011, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan has been working with Hokkaido University on "biologging," a migration route survey using recording devices, in order to clarify the ecology of whale sharks. From December 2022 to February 2023, we conducted crowdfunding for three months to further develop this survey, and received support of over 10 million yen. In the first survey after crowdfunding, conducted in July, new discoveries were made, such as the confirmation of behavior different from that of individuals surveyed in the past. →We have started a Whale shark survey. This survey is the second survey following that one. In addition to the conventional recording device (data logger) that can record the coordinates, water depth, and environment of the Whale shark, we attached a "camera logger" that can record video as part of a joint research with Kobe University and released it. The camera logger is designed to detach from the Whale shark and rise to the surface in a short time, and was successfully retrieved on the day of release. When we checked the video, we were able to confirm the swimming of "yellowfin tuna (a type of tuna)". We are currently proceeding with more detailed video analysis. The recording device, which can record the coordinates, water depth, and environment, is detached from the survey subject when the set period is reached, and rises to the surface to transmit the collected data. By receiving and analyzing data via satellite, we can learn about the Whale shark's migration information. The survey results will be posted on the Kaiyukan website.

2023.10.19

Research and studies

We succeeded in obtaining Whale shark research data! We made a new discovery.

Starting on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Kaiyukan has been conducting research aimed at clarifying the whale shark's ecology, such as its migration route, by attaching a recording device (data logger) to a whale Whale shark caught in a fixed net in Kochi Prefecture. → Whale shark research has begun. After completing a month of research, we have successfully obtained the research data transmitted from the recording device. We will analyze the data and report on what we learned from this research. 1. Migration route Previous surveyed individuals have been recorded migrating along the Japanese archipelago from the Kanto to Tohoku coast, and south to the vicinity of the Philippines, but this time the surveyed individual was found to have traveled southeast and migrated to the vicinity of the Ogasawara Islands. 2. Number of dives This time, a large amount of data was obtained, and detailed swimming data every 10 minutes showed that there were many dives at dawn and in the evening. 3. Long-term diving in deep sea areasWe found that the shark had been diving for up to 6 hours in deep sea areas at depths of 500 to 600 meters near the Ogasawara Islands. Looking at the water temperature data, we believe that the water temperature was higher than in other areas, which may be the reason why it was able to dive for such a long time. We plan to analyze the survey data in more detail in the future. We will continue to announce the survey results on the Kaiyukan website. In order to further develop the Whale shark migration route survey "biologging," we conducted crowdfunding from December 2022 to February 2023, and received more than 10 million yen in support. → Report on the results of Kaiyukan crowdfundingWe are very happy that we were able to conduct this survey and achieve results thanks to your warm support and encouragement. Once again, we would like to express our sincere gratitude. Kaiyukan will continue to strive to investigate and research the Whale shark's ecology.

2023.10.17

Living creature information

A baby Asian Asian small clawed otter was born!

Four babies are growing up in the backyard Four baby Asian Asian small clawed otter were born in the backyard from Wednesday, August 23rd to Thursday, August 24th, 2023. This is the first time in 10 years since 2013 that Kaiyukan Asian small clawed otter have been bred at Kaiyukan. The babies are scheduled to be exhibited for the first time next spring, and until then, the aquarium keeper will keep you updated on their growth through the blog "Kaiyukan Diary" and live broadcasts. Baby Asian Asian small clawed otter(photographed on August 29th)Baby Asian Asian small clawed otter(photographed on October 17th)About baby Asian Asian small clawed otter ■Date of birth: Wednesday 23rd - Thursday 24th August 2023■Number of individuals: 4 (3 males, 1 female)■Total length: Approximately 18cm (as of August 29th) → Approximately 24cm (as of October 11th) ■Weight: 118-128g (as of August 29th) → 508-536g (as of October 17th) ■Parents: Mother... "Senti", 5 years old, brought in from Hong Kong Ocean Park in 2021 Father... "Biju", 8 years old, brought in from Saitama Children's Zoo and Nature Park in 2022 Comments from the aquarium keeper in charge We are relieved that Senti and Biju have a new family and that both mother and calf are healthy. The population of Asian small clawed otter has been declining in their habitat, and as part of its ex situ conservation efforts, Kaiyukan has been working to improve their reproductive physiology and rearing techniques, as well as raising awareness of conservation. Although the number of Asian small-clawed otters being reared in Kaiyukan is increasing, the imbalance of bloodlines has become an issue, and Kaiyukan has been working to introduce new bloodlines. This breeding is extremely significant in tackling this issue, and we are very pleased about it.