Preparations underway for the public viewing of the Red-necked Phalarope [Part 2] -- What measures are being taken to protect it from the winter cold?

Inokashira Park Zoo garden began exhibiting Red-necked Phalaropes in August of this year (2026). The Red-necked Phalarope (hereinafter referred to as "Phalarope") that was put on display was found injured in one wing and taken to a conservation facility.

We have been raising this sandpiper in the zoo's back area since October of last year (2025) and have been making preparations for its public debut. In the previous [Part 1], we introduced the sandpiper's ecology and the preparations for its care, but this time we will introduce how it was cared for in the back area during the winter.

Since this sandpiper inhabits warm regions, special care must be taken with its environment during the winter. Therefore, we weighed it once a week and gradually changed its environment based on its weight fluctuations and how well it was eating.

In Part 1, we introduced the importance of maintaining a room temperature of around 20°C and further warming the enclosure with a panel heater. In addition, since these birds spend a lot of time at sea, we also installed a pool. Not only can they swim, but entering the water allows the birds to wash off dirt from their bodies. The pool is essential for maintaining the warmth and waterproofness of their feathers and keeping their entire bodies clean.

Initially, we used a shallow tray filled with water, and gradually switched to deeper trays. With the shallow tray, we observed the birds preening their feathers with only their beaks submerged in the water. When we installed a deeper tray, we began to see them frequently entering the tray and bathing.

Next, we placed mirrors. This was a clever idea because sandpipers live in flocks, and the mirrors would allow them to see their reflection and think that their companions were nearby. However, the sandpipers behaved differently depending on where the mirrors were placed.

Initially, we wanted him to go into the pool, so we placed a mirror next to it. As a result, he started going near the pool more often, but he also began going back and forth between the pool and under the heater, which was his original favorite spot, and he seemed restless. Furthermore, because he was spending less time under the heater, we were concerned about him becoming exhausted during the winter months when the room temperature could drop below 20℃ even with the air conditioner running.

So, when I moved the mirror under the heater, it stopped pacing around and became more settled.

This experience reinforced my understanding that even something as simple as the placement of a mirror can have a significant impact on an animal's behavior. I believe that gradually increasing the size of the bathing pool, starting with a small one, allowed the animal to slowly adapt to its new environment.

This sandpiper was put on public display on August 4th, but just before the public display, it was necessary to acclimate it from the back environment to the exhibit area. Next time, we plan to introduce the preparations made just before the public display. Please come to Inokashira Park Zoo Garden to meet the Red-necked Phalarope, which has finally been put on public display after a long period of waiting.

[Machida, Animal Care and Exhibition Staff, Inokashira Park Zoo Aquatic Life House]