We will be holding an event on August 30th titled "Let's Learn More About Asian Black Bear" (Updated July 16th: Registration for the lecture has closed).

event
July 9, 2026 (Updated July 16, 2026)

Tama Zoo will be hosting an educational event, "Learn More About Asian Black Bear Bears," in collaboration with the Japan Bear Network (*) and the NPO Shinshu Asiatic Asian Black Bear Research Association (*), with the aim of raising awareness about Asian Black Bear of the Asiatic black bear, which also inhabits Tokyo. The event will include lectures using Asian Black Bear black bear specimens and a Q&A session. We encourage you to come and visit the park.

※
Japan Bear Network: An NGO established to promote coexistence between humans and bears in Japan. It facilitates information sharing about bears and supports local activities. The organization includes not only bear researchers but also a diverse range of people interested in bears.
※
The Shinshu Asian Black Bear Research Association, a Asian Black Bear profit organization, is based in Nagano Prefecture and is engaged in research, damage prevention measures, and public awareness activities related to black bears. Based on scientific knowledge accumulated over more than 30 years, the organization works towards the coexistence of humans and bears.
Images from a collar-type camera attached to a wild Asiatic Asian Black Bear.

schedule

Sunday, August 30, 2026

place

Tama Zoo

Co-sponsored

Japan Bear Network, NPO Shinshu Asian Black Bear Research Association

Implementation details

A public awareness booth by the Japan Bear Network

Using original merchandise created specifically for explaining Asian Black Bear, members of the Japan Bear Network will provide explanations. You can see and touch actual specimens (skulls, fur, dung, etc.) up close, so you may make new discoveries that you wouldn't find on TV or in books.

Date and Time

Sunday, August 30, 2026 10:00-12:30, 14:30-16:00

place

Animal Watching Center

Picture story show by the Shinshu Asian Black Bear Research Society

Based on actual research into the seasonal lives of Asian Black Bear, this story follows a cub from birth to independence. Why not take a peek into the life of a bear through this picture story show?

Date and Time

Sunday, August 30, 2026 10:30-10:50, 15:00-15:20

place

Animal Watching Center

Let's ask Professor Bear! All about Asian Black Bear Q&A
(Updated 7/17: Applications are now closed)

This is a Q&A-style lecture where the speaker answers questions submitted in advance. Ask the expert about anything you're curious about regarding bears!
*Please fill in your questions on the application form.

Koike
Date and Time

Sunday, August 30, 2026, 13:30-14:15

place

Animal Watching Center Hall

subject

First 100 people (advance registration required)
*The content is geared towards elementary school students and older, but preschool children are also welcome.

Lecturer

Shinsuke Koike
(Professor, Department of Regional Ecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology)

Content

Just like last year, we've been bombarded with news about bears since the beginning of spring. Bears have become such a familiar presence that it seems like there isn't a day that goes by without seeing them on TV, but how much do we really know about them? What do they eat? Where do they sleep? What is hibernation? We know almost nothing about bears. Because they are animals we "don't know much about," we tend to be simply afraid or anxious about them. To alleviate these feelings, let's start by learning about bears. By learning about bears, you'll realize that they are not just scary animals, nor are they just cute animals.

Koike's Profile

Since 1999, he has been conducting research and studies on the relationship between various animals living in forests and the forest itself, as well as the ecology of bears, in areas such as Okutama in Tokyo, Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture, and the Tanzawa Mountains in Kanagawa Prefecture. His books include "Everything About Asian Black Bear" (Bun-ichi Sogo Shuppan) and "Do Bears Appear in the City Center?" (Fusosha). Since 2024, he has also served as the representative of the NGO Japan Bear Network.

How to Apply

Applications are now closed.

Please apply using the application form below.

When applying, please configure your spam filter and email software to allow emails from @tokyo-zoo.net and @kintoneapp.com. This is especially important for those applying from a mobile phone. If you do not receive an automatic reply email after applying, please contact Tama Zoo Education and Outreach Section.

※
You will be redirected to an external site (kintoneapp.com). kintoneapp.com is a website managed and operated by Toyokumo Co., Ltd. Personal information provided by applicants in connection with this program will be securely stored on a server managed by Toyokumo Co., Ltd. and will be promptly deleted after its intended use has ended, ensuring strict and appropriate management.
Contact

多摩動物公園 教育普及係
042-591-1611（代表）※受付時間は9時30 分〜17 時

deadline

Valid for submissions sent until August 6, 2026 (Thursday).

※
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will close once the maximum number of participants is reached.
※
If the maximum number of participants is reached before the deadline, we will announce it on Tama Zoo official website.
※
Each person may apply only once. You may also apply for up to four people per application. Please note that multiple applications from the same applicant will be considered invalid.

Asian Black Bear keeper talk

The zookeeper in charge of Asian Black Bear will talk about Asian Black Bear at the zoo.
*Cancelled in case of rain

Date and Time

August 30, 2026 (Sunday), 2:45 PM onwards (approximately 20 minutes)

place

In front of Asian Zone Asian Black Bear exhibit.