Update June 20, 2020: Tama Zoo had suspended its zodiac-themed exhibition as a measure against COVID-19, even after reopening on June 4, 2020. However, it will reopen on Monday, June 22. Safety will be given full consideration when reopening, and some exhibits will be modified. We appreciate your understanding.

　Period: Monday, June 22, 2020 - Friday, July 31, 2020, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
　Location Watching Center 1st Floor

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This year's (2020) zodiac animal is the rat. I'm sure you've all seen one before.

Tama Zoo is currently temporarily closed until May 6, 2020, as a measure against the new coronavirus infection (May 7 is a regular closing day). However, the special exhibition for the Chinese zodiac, "Chuu Rodents Exhibition - Friends that will make you crazy PART 2," which started at the end of last year, was originally scheduled to run until June 2, 2020 (Tuesday), but has been changed to run from June 22 (Monday) to July 31 (Friday), 2020.

This special exhibition, based on the concept of "Rodent School," is a place where you can learn about rodents. Visitors can learn and have fun by viewing panels and live specimens. We'd like to introduce some of the exhibits during this time of temporary closure.


"Chu School" school gate
Mice and rodents belong to the group known as rodents. Rodents make up about 40% of all mammals and have lived and thrived right alongside humans. The Japanese character for "gnaw" means "to bite," and as the name suggests, rodents are adept at gnawing, and one of their distinguishing features is their sharp, well-developed front teeth.

However, even though we refer to them simply as "rodents," their shapes and habitats vary greatly, from hamsters that can fit in the palm of your hand to Capybara that can grow up to 130 centimeters long and weigh 60 kilograms, to flying Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel that live in trees and glide through the air, and beavers that live near water and are skilled swimmers.

The "Chuu Rodent Exhibition" features Large Japanese Field Mouse, Japanese Grass Vole, house mice, rats, mice, and panda mice. Comparing these animals side-by-side reveals differences in size, color, and body structure. As part of the live exhibits, the event "Guinea Pig Exercise Time, Mouse Playtime" allows visitors to observe the differences in movement between guinea pigs and mice. Guinea pigs tend to remain relatively still, while mice exhibit more vertical movement, such as climbing branches and ropes.

"Guinea Pig Exercise Time" has ended, but you can still see the guinea pigs in the guinea pig enclosure.
"Mouse Playtime" can be viewed on weekdays from 10:00 to 11:00.
*Please note that the exhibit may be canceled due to circumstances related to animal care and management.

rat		Live exhibit of panda mice (a breed of house mouse)

When people hear the word "rat," some might think, "They're small and cute!", while others might think, "They're dirty and carry diseases." Historically, rats have been treated as pests for spreading diseases like the plague and eating crops. However, they also contribute to human life as animals for interaction experiences, pets, and laboratory animals, showing their diverse aspects.

Despite belonging to the same group, rodents are diverse in their morphology, ecology, and the images people have of them. When the park reopens, why not become "crazy" about rodents? We look forward to seeing you all healthy and ready to attend "Rodent School."

[Tama Zoo]

(April 17, 2020)
(June 20, 2020: Added information on events scheduled after the park reopens)
(July 7, 2020: Times have been revised due to the return to normal show times)