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.

2022.09.09

Living creature information

Nicknames for two baby California sea lion have been decided! [Events and merchandise will be available to commemorate the naming decision]

Thank you to everyone who applied! The nicknames for the sibling California sea lion born in June this year have been decided as "Sun" and "Luna." The final names were selected by the aquarium keeper and members of the Kaiyukan fan community "Ikimono Aquarium " from a total of 534 suggestions submitted via the Kaiyukan website, various social media sites, and QR codes posted around the aquarium. Events and merchandise will also be available to commemorate the decision on the sea lions' nicknames. 1st (nickname: Nami-chan) ■■Nickname: "Sun"■Origin: I hope he grows up as bright as the sun ■Birth date: Sunday, June 19, 2022■Body length: Approximately 80 cm (September 7, 2022, estimated)■Weight: 18.5 kg (September 7, 2022, actual measurement)■Gender: Male■Father: Mitch Mother: Nami ■■Nickname: "Sun"■Origin: I hope he grows up as bright as the sun ■Birth date: Sunday, June 19, 2022■Body length: Approximately 80 cm (September 7, 2022, estimated)■Weight: 18.5 kg (September 7, 2022, actual measurement)■Gender: Male■Father: Mitch Mother: Nami --> 2nd (nickname: Asuka-chan) ■■Nickname: "Luna"■Origin: I hope he grows up as gentle as the moonlight ■ Date of birth: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 ■ Length: Approximately 75 cm (September 7, 2022, estimated) ■ Weight: 17.0 kg (September 7, 2022, actual measurement) ■ Gender: Female ■ Father: Mitch Mother: Asuka ■ ■ Nickname: "Luna" ■ Origin: I hope she grows up as gentle as the moonlight ■ Date of birth: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 ■ Length: Approximately 75 cm (September 7, 2022, estimated) ■ Weight: 17.0 kg (September 7, 2022, actual measurement) ■ Gender: Female ■ Father: Mitch Mother: Asuka --> [Comment from the aquarium keeper] Thank you very much for all your applications. There were many wonderful nickname candidates, and I really struggled, but I am very happy that we were able to decide on a nickname together with everyone. Both "Sun" and "Luna" are growing well and have gained nearly 10 kg since birth. Health management and training in preparation for weaning are also progressing smoothly, with physical health checks and weight measurements being carried out under the guidance of the aquarium keeper. Going forward, we will provide maximum support to ensure that the two cubs grow up while building good relationships with the other sea lions besides their mother. Events and merchandise to commemorate the decision on nicknames! Various events and merchandise will be available to commemorate the decision on the nicknames for the two cubs. Online talk with the aquarium keeper in charge - The birth and current status of the two baby sea lions - In addition to a talk by the aquarium keeper in charge, we will broadcast a live broadcast of Sun and Luna from the tank. Date and time: Sunday, September 25th, 2022, 14:00-15:00 Capacity: First 200 people Registration begins: Friday, September 9th, 2022 Price: 1,200 yen (tax included) For more information, click here Date and time: Sunday, September 25th, 2022, 14:00-15:00 Capacity: First 200 people Registration begins: Friday, September 9th, 2022 Price: 1,200 yen (tax included) For more information, click here --> Baby Sea Lion "Tote Bag" and "Drawstring Bag" We have created a tote bag and drawstring bag with an illustration of Sun and Luna when they were born. Sales location: Kaiyukan Official Shop Kaiyukan Official Shop Online Sales location: Kaiyukan Official Shop Kaiyukan Official Shop Online --> Sea lion candy crafts Two types of candy crafts with a sea lion motif will be available for a limited time. Sales start: Friday, September 16, 2022 ~ Sales location: Tempozan Marketplace 2F Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho Yokocho "Candy Crafts Amenotori" Click here for Amenotori business information

2022.08.30

Living creature information

About the Tufted puffin's Chicks

A Tufted puffin born on August 12th in the "Aleutian Islands" tank has passed away. The bird was confirmed to have been feeding from its parents on the day it hatched, and the parents were monitored while weighing it daily, but the death was confirmed on Friday, August 26th. The exact cause of death is currently under investigation. With the goal of breeding Tufted puffin Kaiyukan , Kaiyukan strives to recreate a natural environment by controlling temperature and humidity, as well as adjusting lighting schedules throughout the year. In addition, the bird undergoes regular training and is focused on health management. In the future, we hope to make the most of the knowledge and experience gained from this breeding to contribute to the breeding and conservation of Tufted puffin.

2022.08.24

Living creature information

Octopus? Jellyfish? "Octopus jellyfish" on display!

Octopus jellyfish (about 20 pieces) are on display at "Jellyfish" . [Overview of "Octopus Jellyfish" Display] --> [Overview of "Octopus Jellyfish" Display] Display period: August 13th to September (planned) Location: "Jellyfish" on the 3rd floor of Kaiyukan Number of pieces on display: About 20 pieces (umbrella diameter about 1 to 2 cm) *The display period and number of pieces on display may change without notice depending on the condition of the creatures. [About Octopus Jellyfish] Octopus jellyfish are a type of jellyfish that are said to have been named after their appearance, which resembles an octopus, with eight oral arms and appendages (the string-like parts under the umbrella). In Japan, they can be seen from summer to autumn in the warm seas of the Kuroshio Current. In addition to preying on microscopic plankton, they have algae called "zooxanthellae" living symbiotically in their bodies, and use the products produced by photosynthesis as nutrients. Depending on the amount of zooxanthellae present, some individuals have different body colors, such as brown or blue.

2022.08.15

Living creature information

A baby seabird, the Tufted puffin, has been born!

~ Parent birds are raising their young in a burrow in the "Aleutian Islands" tank~ On Friday, August 12, 2022, a Tufted puffin chick was born. Currently, the chicks are with their parents in the burrow, so it is difficult to see them from outside the tank, but they will leave the nest about 50 days after hatching. Over the next 2-3 years, they will look just like adult birds with black feathers and bright, beautiful beaks. About the Tufted puffin chicks that were born Date of egg laying: July 2, 2022 Date of hatching: August 12, 2021 Weight: 54.7g (date of hatching) Parent birds Father, nicknamed "Okoppe" Mother, nicknamed "Tokoro" (same pair as in 2019, 20, and 21) About the Tufted puffin Tufted puffin name: Tufted puffin English name: Fratercula cirrhata A type of seabird classified in the family Aucuridae, order Charadriiformes, with a total length of about 40 cm. A seabird that lives widely in the subarctic zone of the North Pacific Ocean, it has been confirmed to breed only in some parts of Hokkaido in Japan, but the number is small, and it is classified as endangered IA class (※) on the Ministry of the Environment Red List. They dig burrows in the soil at the top of cliffs on islands and coasts, nest in groups, and females lay one egg at a time. At present, Kaiyukan is raising and exhibiting eight birds, including the newly born chick. *Red List Critically Endangered Category IA The Red List is "a list of wildlife that inhabit or grow in Japan, compiled by a committee of experts who scientifically and objectively assess the risk of extinction of each species from a biological perspective." Critically Endangered Category IA refers to species that are "at high risk of extinction in the wild in the very near future." (For both, see the Ministry of the Environment website.)

2022.08.07

Living creature information

*Exhibition has ended. A large jellyfish called the "Rising Jellyfish" is now on exhibit!

Bizen jellyfish (3 jellyfish, umbrella diameter approx. 40cm) are on display at Jellyfish for a limited time. *Exhibition has ended. [Bizen jellyfish exhibition summary] Exhibit period: Approximately one month from August 7th (planned) Location: Kaiyukan Jellyfish Number of jellyfish: 3 (umbrella diameter approx. 40cm) *Exhibition period and number of jellyfish may change without notice depending on the condition of the creatures. [About Bizen jellyfish] Scientific name: Rhopilema sp. It lives in the coastal waters of southern Japan. It is said that it was named "Bizen jellyfish" because Kojima Bay in Okayama Prefecture was once a famous production area of ​​Bizen jellyfish. It is called "Akakurage" along the Ariake Sea coast. It is edible, and the agar-like umbrella part is thick, hard, and chewy. For this reason, it is called "Edible jellyfish" in English. It is said that some large individuals can grow to 60cm and 20kg. There are no tentacles on the edge of the umbrella, and each of the eight oral arms has numerous rod-shaped appendages. The umbrella is white and the oral arms are red. It swims actively by opening and closing the edges of its umbrella vigorously. It is caught by gill net fishing off the coast of the Ariake Sea from July to October. The ones seen in the Ariake Sea may be a different species from those found in other waters, and research is currently underway.