Business overview
Mission and History
Mission and History
Our Mission
Tokyo Zoological Park Society was established in 1948, shortly after the end of World War II, with the belief that "familiarity with animals and the cultivation of a love for animals is one of the shortest paths to humanity" and "a strong desire for the sound development of a popular zoo business" (from its founding statement). Since then, it has actively promoted various projects with the aim of developing and promoting zoo businesses and spreading the idea of animal welfare.
In January 1952, Prince Takamatsu Nobuhito assumed the position of president, and in August 1989, Prince Hitachi Masahito also took office, and we have been steadily expanding our business step by step.
In 1986, it became a supervising organization of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and was entrusted with some of the management operations of the metropolitan zoos. Furthermore, since April 2006, it has been fully responsible for the operation of four metropolitan zoos and aquariums as a "designated manager," including animal care.
Then, in April 2010, the high level of public benefit of the projects conducted by our association was recognized, and we were certified as a "Public Interest Incorporated Foundation," which we remain in to this day.
In November 2023, Tokyo Zoological Park Society celebrated its 75th anniversary.
Currently, as a policy-coordinating organization of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we continue to uphold our founding vision, working to promote the development and advancement of Tokyo Metropolitan Zoos and Aquariums, while also expanding knowledge about animals and their habitats, and contributing to the coexistence of humans and animals.
Tokyo Zoological Park Society 's activities
Tokyo Zoological Park Society 's activities
Tokyo Zoological Park Society conducts both "public interest activities" and "profit-making activities."
Of these, "public interest projects" include "designated management projects (management and operation of metropolitan zoos and aquariums)" commissioned by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and "proprietary projects" operated independently by the association. Profits earned from revenue-generating projects are used as operating funds for proprietary projects.
Public interest business (designated management business)
We aim to provide animal care that prioritizes the health of the animals and exhibits that bring out the unique characteristics of each animal.
We are working to conserve wildlife and promote the importance of biodiversity.
We offer opportunities to learn about animals and their habitats in a fun way.
We strive to improve our services and promote their use through public relations, advertising, and events.
In addition to maintaining safe and comfortable facilities, we also provide crisis management in response to disasters.
Public interest business (unique business)
As part of the zoo's educational outreach activities, we hold observation sessions, tours, lectures, etc. and publish outreach magazines.
We provide information about animals, zoos, and aquariums through publications such as the magazine "Animals and Zoos."
We collect and publish books and materials related to animals and zoos, and we take photographs and videos to document zoo operations, which we then use for educational outreach programs and public relations activities.
We operate fund projects in collaboration with private companies, such as the "Wildlife Conservation Fund" and the "Zoo Supporter Program."
Profit-making business
We will manage the gift shop within the park and develop original products.
We operate the park's restaurants and food shops, and develop menus.
In addition to providing visitor services such as stroller rentals, we also sell original merchandise via mail order.
Management Policy
Management Policy
Tokyo Zoological Park Society has established three fundamental principles based on our mission. Based on these three principles, we will promote five initiatives.
Three Basic Policies
Five initiatives
1. "Conveying" the charm and ecology of living creatures.
We aim to convey the allure of wildlife through vibrant images of animals, increase interest in their ecology and habitats, and create exhibits that move the hearts of our visitors.
2. Everyone can "enjoy and learn"
Based on creating highly accessible spaces where everyone can feel safe, secure, and comfortable, we develop diverse educational outreach activities that cater to the diversifying learning needs, providing a place where everyone can learn while having fun.
3. "Understand and protect" living things.
In collaboration with zoos and aquariums both domestically and internationally, we promote wildlife conservation through a multifaceted approach that includes research on captive animals, breeding of rare species, direct conservation activities within their habitats, and public awareness campaigns. We also participate in conservation projects promoted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the national government, contributing to the realization of nature positivity.
4. "Creating together" with diverse stakeholders
Aiming to create vibrant and lively zoos and aquariums, we will work with various stakeholders to enhance the value of zoos, aquariums, and their communities. In addition to promoting visitor numbers through marketing and public relations, we will actively promote collaboration and co-creation with Tokyo residents, educational institutions, private companies and organizations, and local communities by enhancing volunteer activities and fundraising projects.
5. Connecting a sustainable global environment to the future.
Through "communicating, learning about, and protecting" living things, we will strongly promote biodiversity conservation efforts, set an example ourselves to encourage behavioral change among people, and work together with the citizens of Tokyo to pass on a sustainable global environment to future generations.