About Tama Zoo
Our goal
Our goal
A zoo that utilizes the natural beauty of the Tama Hills to promote dynamic exhibits and conservation activities for a wide range of wildlife, both in and out of their habitats.
Features
Features
Tama Zoo is a zoo that boasts a vast area that is four times the size of Ueno Zoo, and open exhibits that make use of the abundant natural environment.
Instead of cages, we have introduced a free-range exhibition system in which animals are separated by moats so that they can display their natural behavior as much as possible.We also make use of the spacious enclosure to keep animals that live in groups in groups as much as possible, creating dynamic exhibits.
In particular, the world's first "Lion Bus" and the "Skywalk," where orangutans nimbly walk across a 15-meter-high rope, are impressive experiences that can only be experienced at Tama Zoo.
The insect museum also has an Insectarium where many butterflies fly around all year round, allowing you to enjoy the world of small creatures.
History of Tama Zoo
History of Tama Zoo
After the end of World War II, the number of visitors to Ueno Zoo increased, and plans for a second Ueno Zoo were raised.
It was against this background that Tama Zoo was established in 1958 (Showa 33), and is Japan's first zoo, with no fences as the basis for viewing.
Tama Zoo is one of the largest in the world, covering over 50 hectares, and is home to many rare animals in a rich natural environment. Throughout its history, it has been a pioneer in introducing innovations that are now found everywhere, such as the world's first Lion Bus and Insectarium.
The park has Wildlife Conservatio Center, which is actively working to protect and increase the numbers of rare animals such as Crested Ibis and Oriental White Stork.
1951 - 1975
1951 - 1975
1955 昭和30年
Approximately 28.7 hectares of forest land is donated to Tokyo Metropolitan Government from Nanao Village, Tama District, Tokyo, with the support of Keio Teito Electric Railway Co., Ltd., for the construction of a zoo.
1958 昭和33年
Tokyo Tama Zoo opens on May 5th.
The park will be open to the general public free of charge on the day, and an estimated 250,000 people are expected to visit.
At the time of its opening, the zoo housed 434 animals of 99 species, including Indian elephants, Malayan Tapir, Chimpanzee, Cheetah, and orangutans.
1959 昭和34年
1st anniversary of opening.
The number of visitors has decreased due to inconvenient transportation and lack of maintenance within the park.
Chimpanzee appears in a TV commercial for canned juice and becomes popular.
One male and one female reindeer visit the zoo. This is the first time they have come to Japan since the war.
Female Asian Elephant elephant "Gachaco" arrives at the zoo.
1960 昭和35年
A male and female Giraffe visit the zoo.
We are trying to release Red Kangaroo into the zoo.
1961 昭和36年
To celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the park's opening, an animal parade will be held to Takahatafudo Temple.
The Indian government presents a Greater One-horned Rhinoceros named Rani.
An insect experiment breeding room (the precursor to the current insect garden) is built on the second floor of Asian Elephant House.
1962 昭和37年
African Zone, which houses animals native to Africa, will be open to the public and will feature Giraffe, Domestic Horse, ostriches, and more.
An insect experiment breeding room was built, renamed the Insect Room, and approximately 20 species began to be permanently exhibited.
1963 昭和38年
Chimpanzee Island is completed in African Zone.
Two male Siberian elephants have arrived from Basel Zoo in Switzerland, marking their first visit to Japan in 75 years.
1964 昭和39年
Lion park opens and the world's first safari-style Lion viewing bus, the "Lion Bus," begins.
First breeding of Giraffe (birth of male "Takaichi").
Keio Teito Electric Railway's Tama Zoo opens, and the number of annual visitors exceeds one million for the first time since the park's opening.
1965 昭和40年
Orangutan "Julie" (female) is born.
The second breeding in Japan.
Construction has begun on the butterfly and grasshopper greenhouse at the insect garden.
The 6,000 square meter insect park plaza is completed.
1966 昭和41年
The insect garden's grasshopper and butterfly greenhouses will be open to the public, allowing visitors to see grasshoppers and butterflies all year round.
1967 昭和42年
In celebration of the Year of the Sheep in the Chinese zodiac, we will begin exhibiting male and female Mouflon.
First arrival in Japan.
The first baby Chimpanzee since the zoo opened is born, named Jane.
Two African Bush Elephant (female) have arrived at the zoo.
Scimitar-horned Oryx arrives in Japan for the first time.
1968 昭和43年
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the park's opening, Japanese Macaque enclosure (Monkey Mountain) was opened.
29 Japanese Macaque from Shodoshima will be released.
Two Snowy Owl owls have arrived from Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark.
1969 昭和44年
Insectarium Center opens.
Nocturnal animals will be on display on the first floor.
To commemorate the 5th anniversary of Lion Park's opening, three Lion born in Ethiopia have arrived.
1970 昭和45年
The new African Bush Elephant house has been completed, and two male elephants have been moved from the temporary house.
Malayan Tapir breeds in Japan for the first time.
Survey of cabbage white butterfly sightings begins.
The survey will continue for the next 10 years.
1971 昭和46年
The ape house is completed in African Zone, and nine Chimpanzee move in.
Two gorillas (male and female) have arrived at the zoo.
In order to protect the Japanese Crested Ibis of Sado, the Agency for Cultural Affairs has commissioned the start of Black-feaded Ibis.
Emperor and Empress Showa visit.
1972 昭和47年
To commemorate the restoration of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, two Chimpanzee are donated to the Beijing Zoo.
Two Oriental White Stork will be visiting the zoo from Beijing (Giant Panda "Kang Kang" and "Lang Lang" will be given to Ueno Zoo).
1973 昭和48年
Greater One-horned Rhinoceros rhinoceros named "Ritaro" is born.
The firefly house incorporating the ecosystem has been completed.
Black-feaded Ibis ibises breed here.
The symbol of Tama Zoo will be Lion.
1974 昭和49年
The veterinary hospital is completed.
Two Scimitar-horned Oryx were sent to the Havana Zoo in Cuba, and 12 American Flamingo and two other species visited the zoo.
One Giraffe and a male and female Scimitar-horned Oryx were donated to the Beijing Zoo, as well as two Red-crowned Crane and two White-naped Crane cranes.
1975 昭和50年
The new orangutan enclosure is completed.
This is the first time in Japan that American White Ibis ibis and Greylag Goose have been artificially hatched.
1976 - 2000
1976 - 2000
1976 昭和51年
Two White-tailed Eagle hatch, marking the first successful breeding in Japan.
The new Lion Bus (second generation) was unveiled.
Their Majesties Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun made their second visit.
1977 昭和52年
Five Oriental White Stork were moved to the stork house and a breeding operation began.
Sperm was collected from a White-naped Crane naped crane and artificially inseminated a female in Ueno, resulting in successful reproduction.
1978 昭和53年
Artificial termite mounds are installed in Chimpanzee enclosures.
Greater One-horned Rhinoceros rhinoceros "Rhinotaro" is donated to Amsterdam Zoo in the Netherlands.
In a breeding experiment in which photoperiod was regulated by lighting, the hatching of Lesser White-fronted Goose was successful.
1979 昭和54年
The third orangutan is born in Tama.
Artificially hatched Mandarin Duck are released.
1980 昭和55年
Przewalski's Horse 's horse enclosure is completed. Artificial beehives are installed in the orangutan enclosure.
The beginning of environmental enrichment.
Successful artificial hatching of Red-crowned Crane through artificial insemination.
1981 昭和56年
Five Przewalski's Horse 's horses arrived from a zoo in the UK.
A mirror and a stone tool for cracking nuts are installed in Chimpanzee enclosure.
Animal Cenotaph was erected.
1982 昭和57年
We received a donation of four Bonin Flying Fox.
With the arrival of Brant Goose, all nine species of geese that migrate to Japan are now present at the zoo.
Amur Tiger have arrived at the zoo.
1983 昭和58年
The park is celebrating its 25th anniversary and covers an area of 52.3 hectares.
Northern Bald Ibis is donated by the Austrian Alpine Zoo.
A wisdom tree (a device that uses tree branches or other objects to push peanuts out and allow the chimpanzees to eat) will be installed in Chimpanzee enclosure.
1984 昭和59年
Australian Zone has been created and Koala exhibit is open to the public.
We will begin exhibiting two male Koala that have arrived from Taronga Zoo in Australia, along with other animals native to Australia.
Lion gives birth to sextuplets.
1985 昭和60年
New raptor house opens.
Two bald eagles visit the zoo from West Germany.
The exhibition of Straw-necked Ibis begins.
Two female Koala have arrived at the zoo.
At the request of the International Crane Foundation (ICF), we sent Wattled Cranes and Wattled Crane to China.
1986 昭和61年
100th reticulated Giraffe born, second in the world.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Tokyo and New York City, two White-naped Crane cranes were donated to the Bronx Zoo, and two Andean Andean Condor visited the zoo.
1987 昭和62年
Six Crested Ibis will be visiting the zoo, bringing the number of Crested Ibis species on display to eight.
1988 昭和63年
Insectarium was opened to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the park's opening.
Japan's first successful hatching of storks.
First breeding Przewalski's Horse.
1989: The first year of the Heisei era
The first breeding of Black Stork in Japan.
1990 平成2年
New Cheetah and Serval enclosures unveiled.
The zoo has begun exhibiting Greater One-horned Rhinoceros and cattle egrets living together.
Dr. Jane Goodall, the pioneer of wild Chimpanzee research, visits the zoo and tours Chimpanzee exhibit.
1991 平成3年
A male and female Malayan sun bear will be visiting from the Malaysian National Zoo, and Japan will be sending two Brown Bear, two pumas, and four Scarlet Ibis.
We are taking in three Black-faced Spoonbill from Korea University in Kodaira, Tokyo, for breeding purposes.
1992 平成4年
Golden Takin arrives from China.
"Mountains of Asia" opens.
A shuttle bus service has begun operating within the park.
First breeding of Chamney's Emerald Hummingbird in Japan.
The third female Koala, Lulu, is born in Tama.
He is the first grandchild of Tamtam, a male who is visiting Japan for the first time.
1993 平成5年
Male gorilla "Sultan" moves to Ueno Zoo as part of the Zoo Stock Project.
The "Watching Center" is open.
1994 平成6年
Three wild Raccoon Dog were rescued within the park and will be kept at Raccoon Dog Mountain.
Western Barn Owl have been successfully bred.
All eight species of Crested Ibis being raised have hatched.
1995 平成7年
Two males and two females have been brought to the zoo to renew Lion bloodline and revitalize the group.
Siberian Crane and bateleurs eagles breed in Japan for the first time.
1996 平成8年
"Ai," a female African Bush Elephant, has arrived from Himeji Central Park.
The new African Bush Elephant enclosure is opening.
Golden Takin have been successfully bred in Japan for the first time.
Black-faced Spoonbill have successfully bred in captivity for the first time.
A symposium and panel exhibition were held to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the coinage of the term "zoo."
1997 平成9年
First Japanese Golden Eagle hatches in Tama.
Co-hosted Black-faced Spoonbill International Symposium with the Wild Bird Society of Japan.
New flamingo house completed.
1998 平成10年
40th anniversary of the park's opening. The 150th reticulated Giraffe is born.
African Bush Elephant "Pao" (male) is born.
A male orangutan named Borneo and a male Greater One-horned Rhinoceros rhino named Tarr have visited the zoo.
1999 平成11年
A male and female Amur Tiger have arrived from a zoo in Germany.
As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the sister city relationship between Seoul and South Korea, four Oriental White Stork two males and two females) were donated.
2000 平成12年
Tama Monorail Tama Zoo Station opens.
New exhibit facilities for Chimpanzee and Malayan Tapir completed.
The world's first artificial hatching Black-faced Spoonbill.
Chimpanzee canned juice vending machine experiment begins.
A male snow leopard has arrived at the zoo from Snow Leopard.
2001 - 2025
2001 - 2025
2001 平成13年
Two Common Wolf arrived from Moscow Zoo.
Experiments begin on using Chimpanzee to collect empty cans.
African Bush Elephant "Pao" heads to Fuji Natural Zoo.
2002 平成14年
Greater One-horned Rhinoceros "Bikram" (male) and "Narayani" (female) were presented by Nepal.
Insectarium Center has been renovated.
African Bush Elephant "Mao" (female) is born.
Leaf Leaf-cutter Ant arrive from Peru and are on display in Japan for the first time.
2003 平成15年
Golden Takin is born.
White-tailed Eagle chick is born.
2004 平成16年
Golden Takin is born.
Two Cheetah (male and female) arrived from South Africa.
2005 平成17年
The new orangutan exhibit facility is completed and the "Skywalk" exhibit begins.
The birth of Giraffe.
The world's smallest mammal Eurasian Least Shrew has arrived at the zoo.
It was ranked number one in the zoo rankings in the July issue of Nikkei Trendy.
2006 平成18年
Tokyo Zoological Park Society is the designated manager and will be responsible for managing and operating the Tokyo Metropolitan Zoos, including the Tama Zoo.
Wildlife Conservatio Center founded.
African Bush Elephant "Mao" goes to Morioka Zoo.
2007 平成19年
A partnership agreement was signed with Hamanaka Town, Akkeshi District, Hokkaido, the habitat of Eurasian Least Shrew.
Kiki, a female orangutan, has arrived from Taman Safari in Indonesia.
Two pairs of Crested Ibis came to the zoo from the Sado Crested Ibis Conservation Center and are being kept in a private facility.
2008 平成20年
The zoo celebrates its 50th anniversary with a commemorative project under the catchphrase "From Ants to Elephants."
"The Swamp of Asia" opens.
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress visit the shrine. Eight Crested Ibis chicks are born.
The park will be open at night under the title "Saturday Night @TAMAZOO."
2009 平成21年
Snow Leopard "Yukichi" (male) is born.
Three Cheetah are born.
Koala 25th anniversary event held.
Seven out of the 10 bred Crested Ibis went to Sado.
2010 平成22年
Three Amur Tiger cubs born.
Three breeding Crested Ibis headed to Sado.
2011 平成23年
Three Cheetah were born in April, and four more in June, one of which is a rare "king Cheetah."
Five breeding Crested Ibis headed to Sado.
2012 平成24年
Dream Night at the Zoo in Tokyo begins.
African Bush Elephant "Tom" (male) arrives from Ehime Prefectural Tobe Zoo.
Sri Lankan Elephant Vidura (male) and Amara (female) have come to the zoo from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka.
2013 平成25年
"Asian Plains" opens.
Five breeding Crested Ibis headed to Sado.
The Przewalski's Horse Zurich in Switzerland.
2014 平成26年
Partial renovation of the new Amur Tiger enclosure has been completed.
Golden Takin "Reika" (female) and "Youten" (male), orangutan "Api" (male), and Malayan Tapir "Ataru" (male) were born.
A talk event about livestock horses will be held, including a horse-pulling experience.
We have started a firefly observation event that makes use of the natural environment within the park.
2015 平成27年
Six breeding Crested Ibis headed to Sado.
First Japanese Golden Eagle born in seven years.
Przewalski's Horse "Ilmoon" (female) was born.
Snow Leopard Kobo has arrived from the Toronto Zoo in Canada.
Successful breeding was achieved through an exchange of fertilized stork eggs with Oriental White Stork Park.
2016 平成28年
Lion Bus service will be suspended for an extended period due to earthquake-resistant construction.
Nine crested Crested Ibis (born in 2015) and five (born in 2016) that bred in the area have been brought to Sado Island.
Przewalski's Horse were born, including "Jasmine" (female), "Kalmia" (female), and "Lucas" (male), as well as Malayan Tapir "Kou" (male).
Two Tasmanian Devil, "Meidina" (female) and "Marjuna" (female), have arrived from Trowana Wildlife Park in Australia.
2017 平成29年
Artyom, a male Amur Tiger has arrived from Tierpark Berlin in Germany.
Lion are now on display in their temporary enclosure.
Oriental White Stork have successfully bred for 30 consecutive years.
"Gypsy," the world's oldest Bornean Orangutan (female), has died at an estimated age of 62.
2018 平成30年
Many commemorative events and lectures will be held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the park's opening and the 30th anniversary Insectarium.
Kenta, the second-generation number one male Chimpanzee, has died.
"Eurasian Moorhen Kitchen" opens inside the free rest area African Zone.
2019 Heisei 31/Reiwa 1st year
Amur Tiger "Shohei" (male) Koala "Nishichi" (male) were born.
New shuttle bus vehicles begin operation.
2020 令和2年
The park is temporarily closed (for 70 days) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Greater One-horned Rhinoceros "Gopon" (female) has arrived from Kanazawa Zoo.
2021 令和3年
The park is temporarily closed (for 158 days) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Mio, a female Lion, has arrived from Seoul Grand Park in South Korea.
Johne's disease was confirmed in two Sika Deer (Yaku Is Sika Deer).
A new exhibition facility for Sri Lankan Elephant, "The Valley of Asian Elephant," opens.
2022 令和4年
The park is temporarily closed (for 70 days) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Snow Leopard "Fubuki" (male) has arrived from Kobe City Oji Zoo.
Chimpanzee named "Dill" is born through artificial insemination.
2023 令和5年
The park was temporarily closed (for 53 days) due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Signed a "Partnership Agreement on the Environment and SDGs" with Hino City.
Sri Lankan Elephant Anura (male) becomes the country's oldest Asian Elephant.
2024 令和6年
Two Tasmanian Devil have arrived from Australia.
This marks the first time in Japan that African Bush Elephant has undergone tusk removal surgery.
Lion Bus celebrates its 60th anniversary.
40th anniversary Koala arriving at the zoo.
A female Greater One-horned Rhinoceros calf named "Dekopon" has been born, the first in 50 years.
2025 令和7年
Eurasian Moorhen area of African Zone has been renovated and reopened.
It has been certified as a "rare species conservation zoo, botanical garden, etc." under the Ministry of the Environment's "Species Conservation Act."
Orangutan House "Skywalk" celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Malayan Tapir named Shira has arrived from the Batu Secret Zoo in Indonesia.