2023.09.19

Living creature information

Two King penguin chicks were born!

You can see the raising of the chicks in the "Antarctica" tank. Two King penguin chicks were born on Friday, August 11th and Sunday, September 3rd, 2023. Both chicks are staying in the "Antarctica" tank, and you can see their adorable appearance. Kaiyukan hopes that by watching the chicks and raising them, you will be able to feel the wonder of the birth of life. King penguin chick born on August 11th (photographed on September 19th) King penguin chick born on September 3rd (photographed on September 19th) About the chicks born this time [1st chick (※)] Egg laid: June 16th, 2023 Hatching date: August 11th, 2023 Gender: Unknown Weight: 171.9g (immediately after birth) 4.2kg (as of September 19th) [2nd chick] Egg laid: July 6th, 2023 Hatching date: September 3rd, 2023 Gender: Unknown Weight: 210g (immediately after birth) 706g (as of September 19th) *The first chick was a fertilized King penguin egg obtained at Kasai Rinkai Aquarium, transported to Kaiyukan and hatched there (details below). After hatching, the pair living in the "Antarctica" tank act as foster parents and raise the young. About King penguin Japanese name: King penguin English name: King penguin Scientific name: Aptenodytes patagonicus They live in the area around Antarctica. They are the second largest penguin in the order Spheniscus, growing to about 90cm in length and 12kg in weight. A total of 47 chicks have been born at Kaiyukan, including the chicks this time. About King penguin Breeding Kaiyukan and Kasai Rinkai Aquarium are engaged in joint research aimed at elucidating the breeding ecology of penguins, mainly the Southern Southern rockhopper penguin, and establishing artificial breeding techniques. As part of this joint research, fertilized King penguin eggs obtained at Kasai Rinkai Aquarium were transported to Kaiyukan by Shinkansen and hatched. Compared to transporting live animals, transporting fertilized eggs has the advantage of reducing the burden on penguins and allowing the introduction of new bloodlines without the need for quarantine periods or securing space during quarantine, but there is no manualized technique for transporting fertilized eggs for King penguin. We believe that improving the technique for transporting fertilized eggs will lead to the "species preservation" of this species.

2023.09.13

news

[Goodbye Mizore!] Various events will be held to celebrate the departure of the fledglings!

Mizore, a Ringed seal living in the "Arctic Region" tank , will leave the nest on Tuesday, November 28th for a breeding loan at Otaru Aquarium (Otaru City, Hokkaido). In hopes of the future breeding of Ringed seal and to express our gratitude for the support we have received, we will hold online and real-life events related to Mizore and sell original goods! Mizore can also be seen in the "Arctic Region" tank until Sunday, November 26th. Updated on 2023.11.28 Event list ． ※Ended Good morning Mizore ． ※Ended Special viewing of Mizore ． NEW [Archived video] Get to know Mizore! ． NEW [Archived video] Get to know more! Mizore's daily life ． ※Ended [Real event] Snap a picture of Mizore ． ※Ended [Real event] Mizore's memorial tour ． [Updated] [Message collection] Have a nice day Mizore board ． [In-Aquarium only] Photographed by aquarium keeper! Precious photo sticker of Mizore ． Capsule toy "Acrylic stand" & "Can badge" ． [On sale] Book "Mizore - Growth record of Ringed seal II" ． [On sale] Original stamp sheet Mizore ． [On sale] Canvas tote bag Mizore ． [On sale] Mini blanket Mizore ． [On sale] Kaiyukan Ringed seal LINE stamp 1. [Emergency decision] Good morning Mizore A tour to meet Mizore at Kaiyukan before the opening. On the last day of Mizore's exhibition and before the opening of the day before, you can leisurely view the "Arctic Region" tank. There will also be a photo session in an area where you can observe Mizore from closer than the viewing aisle. *There will be no talk by the aquarium keeper or a question time. Date and time: November 25th (Sat) and 26th (Sun) 8:30-9:30Fee: 4,000 yen *Credit card payments only (separate admission fee required)Eligibility: Ages 16 and overCapacity: 14 people/each dayApplication: Apply here*Lottery application period: November 21st to 23rd, noon 2. [Urgent decision] Special viewing of Mizore After the museum closes on the 26th, the viewing hours for the "Arctic Region" area will be extended, allowing you to see the Mizore. Date and time: Sunday, November 26th, 19:45-20:30Fee: 3,000 yen *Credit card payment only (No admission fee required)Target: 16 years old and overCapacity: 45 people (5 minutes in the Arctic Region Circle area divided into 3 groups)Application: Apply here *Raffle application period: November 21st to 23rd at noonThe health of the creatures will take priority. Please only participate if you agree to the following. The lights in the tank will be turned off to manage the health of the creatures, so it may be difficult to view Mizore. The special viewing time is limited. Please follow the instructions of the staff and be considerate to other customers when viewing. 3. [Archived video] I want to know Mizore! (Online) You can watch the archived video of the online event "I want to know Mizore". The aquarium keeper in charge looked back on Mizore's life from birth to the present, talked about this removal and breeding loan, and answered questions from the aquarium keeper. Purchase deadline: 23:59, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Viewing deadline: 23:59, Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Fee: 1,500 yen Application: Apply here Sold on the web (events) *Credit card payment only 4. [Archived video] I want to know more! Mizore's daily life (online) You can watch the archived video of the online event "I want to know more! Mizore's daily life". The aquarium keeper in charge commented on Mizore's behavior that you normally can't see, such as at night after closing and during morning opening work, and on participants' favorite photos of Mizore. Purchase deadline: 23:59, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Viewing deadline: 23:59, Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Fee: 1,500 yen Application: Apply here Sold on the web (events) *Credit card payment only 5. [Real event] Take a picture of Mizore *Ended Before the opening of Kaiyukan, we will guide you through the "Arctic Region" Kaiyukan where Mizore lives. You can see Mizore's condition first thing in the morning, there will be time to ask the aquarium keeper in charge... There will also be a time to take photos from a place even closer than the viewing aisle. Location: "Arctic Region" tank and time: October 15th (Sun), 25th (Wed), 29th (Sun), 2023, 8:30-9:30 (planned)Fee: 6,700 yen (including admission fee)Target: 16 years old and overCapacity: 12 people / Recruitment starts for each day: October 1st (Sun), 2023, 6:00 pm (first come, first served)Application: Please apply here*Webket membership registration is required to purchase. (Pre-registration is recommended)*For this event "Snap a Snap of Mizore", each member can purchase up to two tickets. After the tour, you can re-enter the open Kaiyukan. Depending on the condition of the creatures, the tour content may be changed or canceled. This tour does not cover the entire Aquarium. There is a possibility of media coverage. Please note. 6. [Real event] Mizore's Memorial Tour *Finished This is a tour-type event where the aquarium keeper in charge answers questions about Mizore and goes around various places in the Aquarium related to Mizore, such as the tools and mats used during artificial rearing. Location: Inside the Kaiyukan Date and time: Saturday, November 11, 2023 and Saturday, November 18, 2023, 15:00-16:20 (planned) Capacity: 10 people per day Target: 16 years old and over Price: 5,000 yen (Kaiyukan admission fee is required separately) Application period: Wednesday, October 18 to 25, noon (lottery) * The lottery results will be announced by email on the 25th Application: Please apply here (Eventus) * Credit card payment only * Membership registration with Eventus is required to purchase (pre-registration is recommended) This event is for people aged 16 and over, so people under 16 years old cannot participate. In addition to the event fee, you will be required to pay an admission fee at the reception on the day. (2,700 yen per person) This event will guide you to the "backyard (behind the aquarium)". You will not be able to take photos or videos in the backyard. Due to the unstable footing in some parts of the backyard, for safety reasons, we ask that people who need assistance such as wheelchairs or walking sticks refrain from participating. Thank you for your understanding. The content of the event may be changed without notice depending on the condition of the creatures. There is a possibility that interviews will be conducted on the day of the event. Thank you for your understanding. 7. [Message collection] Goodbye Mizore board * Message collection has closed. Thank you for all the messages of support. We have set up a "Goodbye Mizore board" and a message writing corner around the "Arctic Region" tank, where you can post messages for Mizore and the aquarium keeper, as well as letters and fan art that you have sent us. Goodbye Mizore board Location: "Arctic Region" tank display period: until Tuesday, January 9, 2024 8. [In-Aquarium only] aquarium keeper photo! Mizore's precious photo stickers A precious photo sticker of Mizore taken by the aquarium keeper has been completed. It will be given to those who convey a message to Mizore while making the Mizore pose to the staff at Kaiyukan . (For example, "I love Mizore!" while making a wish pose) Various types of stickers will be released every week, so if you collect Mizore from when he was a fluffy newborn to the present, you may be able to make a Mizore album. Please tell us your memories of Mizore and messages of support. (※ The design of the photo sticker will change every Monday and Friday.) Mizore's photo sticker (partial) Location: Inside Kaiyukan Date and time: Friday, September 15, 2023 to Mizore's departure (planned) 9. [Goods] Capsule toy "acrylic stand" and "can badge" Capsule toy illustrated can badges and acrylic stands will be sold as Mizore support goods at the "Official Shop" on the 3rd floor of the entrance building. Additionally, the KAIYUKAN Official Shop Online will be selling the capsule toy "Mizore Complete Set" (10 can badge designs + 5 acrylic stands *cannot be sold separately) from November 1st. Location: Entrance Building 3rd Floor "Official Shop" Release Date: October 1st, 2023 - Hours: Same as Kaiyukan business hours Price: Acrylic stand (5 types) 500 yen (tax included), can badge (10 types) 300 yen (tax included) [Mizore Complete Set (10 can badge designs + 5 acrylic stands *cannot be sold separately)] Location: KAIYUKAN Official Shop Online Date and Time: November 1st, 2023 - Accepting pre-orders Price: 7,000 yen (tax included) *Shipping fee required separately 10. Book "Mizore - A Record of the Ringed seal's Growth II" This is the second volume of "Mizore - A Record of the Ringed seal's Growth", which was released on Mizore's first birthday. It introduces Mizore's growth and ecology from before her debut on display to after her debut with photos. If you purchase the book, you can scan the QR code inside to watch a re-edited video of Mizore's birth to the present, including previously unreleased footage, on the official Kaiyukan YouTube channel. We also plan to resell the first volume, "Mizore - A Record of the Ringed seal's Growth". Growth Record II Growth Record Product Name: ① "Mizore - Growth Record of the Ringed seal II" ② "Mizore - Growth Record of the Ringed seal" Location: ①② "Official Shop" on the 3rd floor of the Entrance Building, KAIYUKAN Official Shop Online Release Date: November 1, 2023 (Pre-orders are being accepted at the online shop) Time: ① Same as Kaiyukan business hours Price: ① 1,500 yen (tax included) ② 1,980 yen (tax included) 11. Original Stamp Sheet Mizore This stamp sheet allows you to feel Mizore's growth from her birth, from when she had fluffy white fur after birth to when she turned two years old. Location: "Official Shop" on the 3rd floor of the Entrance Building Release Date: November 15, 2023 Time: Same as Kaiyukan business hours Price: 2,300 yen (tax included) 12. Canvas Tote Bag Mizore "Arctic Region" This tote bag features a design of Mizore's handprint, which was taken by a aquarium keeper from Mizore, who lives in the tank . Location: Entrance Building 3F "Official Shop", KAIYUKAN Official Shop Online Release Date: November 1, 2023 (Pre-orders are now being accepted at the online shop) Time: Same as Kaiyukan business hours Price: 3,000 yen (tax included) 13. Mizore Mini Blanket A blanket made of Mizore, who is about 2 weeks old. When you put it on your lap, it will feel like Mizore is resting on your lap. Location: Entrance Building 3F "Official Shop", KAIYUKAN Official Shop Online Release Date: November 11, 2023 (Pre-orders are now being accepted at the online shop) Time: Same as Kaiyukan business hours Price: 3,000 yen (tax included) 14. Kaiyukan Ringed seal LINE Stamp "Arctic Region" The official Kaiyukan LINE stamps have been created with the motif of the four ringed Ringed seal at Kaiyukan (Mizore, Arale, Yuki, and Moya) based on the illustrations on the tank that regularly reports on Mizore's condition next to the Kaiyukan . Stamp image Location: LINE Stamp Shop Type: 32 types Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023 Price: 100 LINE Coins

2023.08.21

Living creature information

It has been decided that the Ringed seal"Mizore" will leave the nest.

It is an effort with a view to breeding. We have decided to transport the Ringed seal Ringed seal "Mizore (male, 2 years old)" living in the "Arctic Region" tank to Otaru Aquarium (Otaru City, Hokkaido). The transport is scheduled for late November. "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 him 24 hours a day, and he was then raised by full artificial rearing, the first in Japan. He was made available to the public in the "Arctic Region" tank on August 18, 2021, and has lived tank ever since. This time, he is being transported on a "breeding loan" for the purpose of breeding. In order to allow "Mizore" to leave Kaiyukan before he reaches breeding age, adapt to his new environment, and realize the sustainable breeding and exhibition of Ringed seal in Japan, we will work with Otaru Aquarium to breed him. Since Mizore was born, she has received a lot of interest and support from people all over the country. For the next three months until she leaves the nest, we hope that as many people as possible will be able to see her life at Kaiyukan, her adorable behavior, and how she communicates with the aquarium keeper. In conjunction with Mizore's removal, we plan to hold various events and campaigns, and will announce the details on the Kaiyukan website as soon as they are decided.

2023.08.04

Living creature information

*The exhibition has ended. We have started the exhibition of "Clione"

A aquarium keeper collected them in the Arctic! *Exhibition has ended. This is the first time in a year and a month that "clione (Japanese name: Clione)" has been exhibited. A aquarium keeper accompanied Hokkaido University's training ship "Oshoro Maru" on an Arctic voyage survey for about a month from June 28th to August 1st and collected them. In addition to clione, this survey also collected fish and invertebrates that live in the Arctic Region. We will inform you of the exhibition and event of these creatures at a later date. The survey is introduced in the "Kaiyukan Diary". We will continue to update it, so please look forward to it! Location Aquarium "Arctic Region" Species Clione (Clione) *Exhibition may end without notice. Clione (Clione) In Japan, it is often called "clione" from the genus name "Clione". It has the Japanese name "Clione" because it is a type of shellfish that does not have a shell. It inhabits low-temperature waters such as the Arctic Region and its surrounding areas, and lives by flapping its wing-like organs called pteropods and drifting through the ocean. It feeds on the same kind of shellfish, the floating snail, which it catches by extending six tentacles (buccal cones) from the mouth on the top of its head.

2023.07.12

Research and studies

We have begun our Whale shark research.

On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, a recording device (data logger) was attached to a Whale shark caught in a fixed net in Kochi Prefecture, and an investigation was started to clarify the ecology, such as migration routes. Since 2011, Kaiyukan has been working on "biologging," a migration route survey using a recording device, with the aim of clarifying the ecology of Whale shark. From December 2022 to February 2023, we conducted crowdfunding to further develop this survey, and received more than 10 million yen in support. This was the first survey after crowdfunding, and a recording device with a survey period of one month was attached to a male whale Whale shark with a total length of 6.9 m caught in a fixed net in Kochi Prefecture, and released. When the set period is reached, the recording device is detached from the survey subject, floats to the water surface, and transmits the collected data. By receiving and analyzing data via satellite, it is possible to know information such as the coordinates, water depth, and environment where the Whale shark moved. The results of the survey will be published on the Kaiyukan website.

2023.06.16

Living creature information

Two Southern rockhopper penguin were born

Parent birds are raising their young in the "Falkland Islands (Malvinas)"tank On Saturday, June 10th and Sunday, June 11th, 2023, two Southern rockhopper penguin chicks were born in the "Falkland Islands(Malvinas)" tank . Raising the young (photographed on June 12th) Southern rockhopper penguin chicks (photographed on June 12th) In order to stabilize the growth of the two chicks, one is being raised by the parent bird and the other by a "foster parent (another pair that is not the parent bird)". You can observe the parent bird and the foster parent feeding the chicks by mouth. The chicks are growing well, and we are watching over the raising while checking their health by weighing and observing them every morning. We hope that by watching the chicks and raising them, you will be able to feel the wonder of the birth of life. About the chicks born this time [1st chick] Hatching date: Saturday, June 10, 2023 Gender: Unknown Weight: 77.7g (immediately after birth) 276.5g (June 16) [2nd chick] Hatching date: Sunday, June 11, 2023 Gender: Unknown Weight: 55.5g (immediately after birth) 204.2g (June 16) Comment from the person in charge This is the first time in three years that the Southern Southern rockhopper penguin have bred at Kaiyukan . Until now, chicks have been born almost every year, but last year and the year before, they stopped breeding, and we have been worrying about how to resume breeding and trying and failing every day. I am very happy to be able to see the chicks like this. About the Southern Rockhopper Penguin Japanese name: Southern rockhopper penguin English name: Southern rockhopper penguin Scientific name: Eudyptes chrysocome It lives on islands around Antarctica, such as the Falkland Islands, and is a small species of penguin with a body length of about 50 cm. It got its name from the fact that it moves by hopping around on the rocks. It is characterized by yellow crest feathers above its eyes. It builds nests out of pebbles and weeds on coastal rocks, and females usually lay two eggs per breeding. It has a somewhat violent temperament among penguins. It eats small fish and krill. It is designated as an endangered species on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

2023.05.26

news

Announcement of the mini exhibition "Communicating Otters"

7/18 Why don't you make a declaration too? From Friday, May 26, 2023, we will hold a mini special exhibition "Communicating Otters". This special exhibition introduces the ecology of Asian small clawed otter under the three themes of "communication", "habitat" and "conservation efforts". In the "Smell" corner of the communication theme, we exhibit the "secretion" that Asian small clawed otter secrete from their anal glands when claiming territory or threatening, and you can experience the smell. Through the special exhibition, Kaiyukan hopes to convey the charm of Asian small clawed otter and conservation activities. About the mini special exhibition "Communicating Otters" Period: Friday, May 26, 2023 - Sunday, October 29, 2023 Location: Kaiyukan Main Building 4F (viewing room) Fee: Free (included in Kaiyukan admission fee) We are looking for participants for "For the future of otters - Everyone's action declaration"! Customers who have visited the special exhibition will be asked to fill out a form (action declaration) about what they can do for otters and the Earth, and the form will be displayed on the "otter face panel." Period: Tuesday, July 18, 2023, 12:00 ~ *Ends when the form runs out Target: Elementary school students and above Location: Inside the mini special exhibition "Communicating Otters" Fee: Free

2023.05.17

Living creature information

Notice of birth of a Spinetail devilray and the death of the baby

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, a pregnant Spinetail devilray(press release dated December 12, 2022) gave birth, but the baby died after birth. Based on the results of a pathological autopsy and blood test, we believe that the cause was an inability to swim well, which caused the baby to lose strength and lose its blood balance. After it was discovered that the female (hereinafter referred to as the "mother") kept in the "Pacific Ocean" tank was pregnant, regular ultrasound examinations were conducted to check the growth of the fetus and record the swelling of the mother's abdomen and changes in behavior. In addition, in order to protect the baby after birth, a partition net was installed in the tank in preparation for birth. At 8:30 a.m. on May 16, a aquarium keeper confirmed the baby while observing the "Pacific Ocean" tank. As the baby's swimming was unstable, divers were supporting and watching over it, but from around 12 o'clock, the baby began to show signs of illness, such as weaker swimming. The aquarium keeper and veterinarian took the baby and tried to care for it, but it died at 4:18 p.m. The mother will continue to be kept in the partition net of the "Pacific Ocean" tank for observation after birth. (The partition net was removed on June 2nd.) This time, Kaiyukan was the first in the world to obtain knowledge from pregnancy to birth of a Spinetail devilray in captivity. We would like to make the most of this knowledge and experience to contribute to the breeding and conservation of Spinetail devilray. About the Spinetail devilray baby ■ Date of birth: Early morning on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 ■ Sex: Male ■ Disc width: 1.03m *Disc width...Length between both pectoral fins ■ Mother: Disc width 2.04m, kept at Kaiyukan since 2015 About the Spinetail devilray English name: Spinetail devilray Scientific name: Mobula mobula A large ray distributed from southern Japan to the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Hawaii, characterized by a pair of cephalic fins on the head. Disc width is about 3m. It looks similar to the giant manta ray and the Alfred manta, but can be distinguished by the position and width of its mouth. Its population is thought to be declining due to fishing, and it is an endangered species listed as "endangered" on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. Research on this species has not progressed due to its habitat in the open ocean and the lack of examples of it being kept in captivity, and much about its ecology is a mystery.

2023.05.12

news

"Coral Show Window" will be held from May 12th to 14th.

For three days from Friday, May 12th to Sunday, May 14th, we will be holding a special event called "Coral Show Window" in the "Great Barrier Reef" tank, where we will exhibit fashion items made from recycled marine plastics. "Coral Show Window" Exhibition The "Great Barrier Reef" tank is currently undergoing renovation work in preparation for its opening in September 2024. Notice of "Great Barrier Reef" tank Renovation Work [Scheduled to open in September 2024] This project will be held in an exhibition tank where the fish have been moved and all the seawater has been drained during renovation work. With the coral reef as a backdrop, we will exhibit marine-friendly fashion items made from recycled materials such as marine plastic waste and fishing nets in a show window style. The items lined up in the tank can actually be purchased by scanning the QR code on the window with your smartphone. *Some of the exhibited items are not for sale. We hope that the collaboration between the exhibits that have supported Kaiyukan for 33 years since its opening in 1990 and marine conservation products will provide an opportunity for people to understand the irreplaceable nature of coral reefs and the importance of conservation. About the Coral Show Window Period: Friday, May 12, 2023 - Sunday, May 14 Business hours: Friday, May 12...10:30-20:00 Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14...9:30-20:00 Location: 4th floor of the main building "Great Barrier Reef" tank Sponsoring companies: ECOALF PORTRUNKS Rideeco

2023.04.27

Living creature information

Notice of renovation of "Great Barrier Reef" tank[Scheduled to open in autumn 2024]

Notice of renovation of "Great Barrier Reef" tank, scheduled to open in autumn 2024 Starting Monday, May 8, 2023, the "Great Barrier Reef" tank will be closed and renovation work will be carried out. It is scheduled to open in autumn 2024. The "Great Barrier Reef" tank reproduces the ecosystem of the world's largest coral reef, which reaches an area of ​​260,000 km2 off the northeast coast of Australia, and the tropical fish that live there. In this renovation work, with the theme of "the vitality of coral," we will challenge ourselves to express not only the brilliance of the coral reef, but also the connections and regeneration of life in a more natural and realistic way, aiming to evolve into an exhibition that can send a message about global environmental conservation more than ever before. In addition, as a special project in conjunction with the exhibition renewal, we will move the fish from the exhibition tank to the back yard, and hold a "Coral Show Window" for three days only, where the fish will be moved from the exhibition tank to the back yard, and the seawater will be removed from the exhibition space, and the artificial coral will be used as a stage for the exhibition space, where seawater will be removed, and the exhibition space will be decorated with fashion items made from recycled marine plastics. About the "Coral Show Window" Event period: Friday, May 12, 2023 to Sunday, May 14, 2023 Location: "Great Barrier Reef" tank on 4F of the main building Sponsors: ECOALF PORTRUNKS Rideeco