Water Buffalo "Sachi" to become independent
November 6, 2026
Tama Zoo will be transferring its Water Buffalo, "Sachi" (female), to Ehime Prefectural Tobe Zoo (Iyo District, Ehime Prefecture). The transfer is scheduled for December 2, 2026.
We are currently making preparations for the removal. This time, we will introduce the process of these preparations, along with an update on Sachi's recent condition.
Sachi turned two years old in July 2026. Her weight was 406 kg as of October 14th. In March, she weighed 285 kg, so she has gained about 120 kg in approximately seven months and is growing well. Her physique is gradually becoming more like that of an adult Water Buffalo.
Sachi had lived in the same room as her mother, Maru, since birth, but as a first step towards a new environment, in July 2026, they began a "parent-child separation" system where they live in separate rooms, although they can see each other through a fence.
At first, whenever Sachi cried, Maru would immediately run over to her. However, after two or three days, Maru became unfazed by Sachi's cries and calmly ate her food.
On the other hand, when Sachi couldn't see Maru, she would eat less and keep chirping as if calling out to him.
It took some time, but he gradually started eating, and now, three months later, when we open the door, he rushes out towards the food placed in the enclosure and eats heartily without paying any attention to Maru.
Another thing we did as part of the preparations for transporting the cattle was to train them to walk and be led.
The training of these towable oxen began at the same time as the separation of the mothers and their calves.
At first, the animals weren't used to people being in the same space as them, so they were wary of us and wouldn't approach, and sometimes even shook their horns to threaten us. Because it was dangerous, we started by approaching them from over the fence and gradually closed the distance.
Now, she no longer shakes her horns, and she even leans her head against us affectionately. When we first started leading Sachi as a ox, we were worried about whether she would get used to people, but she adapted faster than we expected. Guiding her to the transport crate while leading her serves as practice for the actual day of transport, allowing for a smoother move.
As zookeepers, we have watched over Sachi since she was born, so we are sad to see her go, but we will proceed with preparations to ensure that Sachi can be safely transferred to Tobe Zoo.
There's only a little time left to see Sachi at Tama Zoo, so please come and visit her!
[Tama Zoo Tama Zoological Park]