Inokashira Park Zoo 's "Animal Plaza" aims to bring together and showcase as diverse a range of creatures as possible. That's easy to say, but since we're dealing with wild animals, things don't always go as planned. There's no manual for how to do it, and we're currently experimenting with different approaches.

Maintaining an environment where diverse living things can thrive requires "care." If left unattended, even in a relatively small open space, only the most vigorous plants will proliferate, or certain species of organisms will become more numerous.

On the other hand, if the maintenance is too difficult, it's unlikely to last long. Perhaps for this reason, there are many neglected biotopes out there.

Therefore, from 2010 to 2012, we have been working on developing management methods so that maintenance is only needed about three times a year.

Last week, we carried out our third maintenance work of the year with the help of volunteers. The main tasks were cutting down overgrown Japanese pampas grass and other weeds, and removing fallen leaves that had accumulated at the bottom of the pond. We also spent about five hours pruning trees in the woods and spreading fallen leaves. During the work, we spotted Eastern Japanese Common Toad, large praying mantises, and long-horned grasshoppers.

The plaza looked neat and tidy after the work was finished, like it had just been trimmed. Next spring, I'm sure various plants will sprout, and perhaps new creatures will come too.

Photo above: Work in progress
Photo in the middle: Before treatment
Photo below: After treatment

[Inokashira Park Zoo Zoo]

(November 16, 2012)