"Summer Night @ Tama Zoo 2026" is currently underway!
August 14, 2026
Tama Zoo holds an event every August that extends the park's opening hours until 8 p.m. This event, which began in 2008 under the name "Saturday Night @Tama Zoo," has been renamed "Summer Night @Tama Zoo" since 2010. There were years when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year marks its 18th anniversary.
Here's an update on what the zoo has been like this year (2026). At 5 PM, when the zoo would normally close, it's becoming increasingly lively. Many people probably stayed indoors during the day due to the heat. Although it's still a bit hot, the occasional pleasant breeze and the sound of cicadas are adding to the festive atmosphere of this summer night. Visitors seem to be in high spirits and enjoying the different atmosphere of the zoo.
Nocturnal animals show a different side of themselves than they do during the day. If we focus on animals that live in Japan, during the day wild Raccoon Dog, Japanese weasels, and field mice spend their time in bushes or burrows, while Ural Owl remain still, perched in tree hollows or on branches. The same is true for individuals kept in zoos; during the day they are often not visible, or only seen curled up.
As dusk fell and darkness fell, I peeked into their enclosure. Raccoon Dog and field mice were actively moving around, seemingly exploring their enclosure. The Japanese weasels were poking their heads out of their burrows and pulling them back in, observing what was happening outside. Perhaps they sensed, "Hmm? Something seems different today." Ural Owl were moving between the branches, their eyes wide open, which they usually keep narrowed during the day. In the wild, they are probably just as active at night.
One reason why animals rest during the day and become active at night is that small animals are less likely to be spotted by predators, while hunting animals rely on the nocturnal environment to protect their prey. Even in environments like zoos, where they are not targeted by enemies and have plenty of food, animals that are nocturnal may still have the same natural rhythm of life as they do in the wild.
There are many nocturnal animals besides those found in Japan. You'll enjoy your visit to the zoo even more if you research which animals are nocturnal beforehand. It's a great opportunity to observe animals in a different light than usual, so please come to Summer Night!
[Tama Zoo]