About Ueno Zoo

Our goal

As Japan's leading zoo, we will continue to lead the country and, as a "living museum," exhibit rare and distinctive species in a balanced manner.
A comprehensive zoo where everyone from children to adults can have fun and learn

Features

The history of Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo is Japan's first zoo, having opened in 1882 (Meiji 15) as an annex to a museum under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce. In 1886 (Meiji 19), it came under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Ministry, and in 1924 (Taisho 13), it was bestowed upon the City of Tokyo to commemorate the marriage of the Crown Prince (Emperor Showa).

During World War II, there was a tragic event known as the culling of dangerous animals, but up until now, Ueno Zoo has been a "living museum," exhibiting a variety of animals gathered from all over the world.

Furthermore, despite being a metropolitan zoo, it also functions as one of Japan's leading zoos. In 1972, Giant Panda arrived to commemorate the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, which generated a great deal of excitement.

Ueno Zoo has successfully bred many animals, and utilizing the breeding techniques it has cultivated over many years, it is working to create fascinating exhibits of various animals and convey the importance of wildlife conservation while allowing many people to enjoy themselves.

From the Meiji to the Taisho era: Under the Imperial Household Ministry Museum

In 1882 (Meiji 15), a museum was opened in Ueno Park, and Ueno Zoo was established as an affiliated facility of the museum.
This museum originated as a place to display products gathered from all over Japan for exhibition at the Vienna World's Fair, for the purpose of "enlightenment" of the general public. Therefore, the animals collected in the zoo were mainly native to Japan.
Furthermore, because it was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce, emphasis was placed on "promoting industry," and livestock were added to the exhibits.

Since coming under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Ministry in 1886 (Meiji 19), rare animals from foreign countries, including tigers, have been collected there.
Furthermore, gifts from foreign royal families and spoils of war from the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese Wars were presented to the Imperial Household Ministry, and a large number of animals came to be on display.

1882　明治15年

It opened on March 20th as a zoo attached to the museum.
The area is about 1 hectare and is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce.
In September, Japan's first aquarium, the Fish Viewing Room, was opened to the public. It became popularly known as "Uonozoki."

1886　明治19年

It will be under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Ministry.

1887　明治20年

A tiger born during a performance in Kanda and Akihabara was acquired from the Italian Charine Equestrian Troupe in exchange for Brown Bear. This was the zoo's first visit.

1888　明治21年

The Shifu elephant (Four-Face Elephant), a gift from the Qing Dynasty, arrives at the zoo.
A pair of Asian Elephant, a gift from the Emperor of Siam, visits the zoo for the first time.

1890　明治23年

Around this time, lamps began to be lit in the park.

1895　明治28年

Bactrian camels arrived as spoils of war during the Sino-Japanese War.
First visit.

1898　明治31年

First visit of an orangutan.

1900　明治33年

Short-beaked Echidna, Common Brushtail, wombats, and other animals have arrived from Australia.

1902　明治35年

Twelve species, including Lion, Polar Bear, and ostriches, were purchased from Hagenbeck Zoo in Germany, and Lion proved extremely popular.

1906　明治39年

Lion will be handed over to Kyoto City's Kien Zoo for 1,500 yen.

1907　明治40年

Giraffe arrive from Hagenbeck Zoo.

1909　明治42年

Proboscis monkeys have arrived.

1911　明治44年

I bought Hippopotamus, my first visit.
By this time, the zoo's area had grown to about 3 hectares.

1919 Taisho 8

Hippopotamus named "Kyoko" arrives at the zoo from Changgyeonggungwon Zoo in Gyeongseong, Korea (present-day Seoul).

From the end of the Taisho era to the beginning of the Showa era - under the rule of Tokyo City

During the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 (Taisho 12), there was no major damage except for one gatepost at Main Gate gate that fell down. The animals were also unharmed, with the only concern being that Hippopotamus was so startled that it dove underwater and didn't come up for a long time.

The following year, in 1924 (Taisho 13), to commemorate the marriage of the Crown Prince (Emperor Showa), Ueno Ueno Zoo, along with Ueno Park, was bestowed upon the City of Tokyo. Around that time, major renovations were carried out within the zoo's facilities, and Polar Bear enclosure and monkey mountain were built.

Furthermore, with the addition of enjoyable exhibitions and events held in spring, autumn, and during the New Year's holiday, it has become a popular recreational spot for citizens, and the number of users has increased significantly.

1923 Taisho 12

The Great Kanto Earthquake occurred on September 1st. The park was closed from the following day, September 2nd, until December 9th, but was open free of charge from December 10th to December 25th.
The male elephant is transported to Asakusa Hanayashiki.

1924 Taisho 13

To commemorate the marriage of the Crown Prince (Emperor Showa), the zoo, along with Ueno Park, was bestowed upon the City of Tokyo and became known as Ueno Imperial Park Zoo.
Between this time and 1938 (Showa 13), a period of 15 years, most of the facilities from the Meiji and Taisho eras were reborn, becoming enjoyable places of relaxation for the citizens.

1925 Taisho 14

Asian Elephant elephant calves "John" and "Tonky" visit the zoo.

1927　昭和2年

Polar Bear enclosure was completed as the first step in the modernization of the park's facilities.
Released the following year.

1932　昭和7年

1933　昭和8年

That same year, the company purchased Giraffe, Andean Condor, baboons, flamingos, and other animals from the Hagenbeck Circus, which was visiting Japan.

1935　昭和10年

Asian Elephant (female, "Hanako") donated by the Thai Youth Group has arrived.

1936　昭和11年

A black panther escaped, but was safely captured 14 hours later.

1937　昭和12年

Giraffe giraffe is born.
First in Japan.

1939　昭和14年

Donkeys, Przewalski's Horse, and Bactrian camels arrived as animals of war merit in China.
One of the donkeys was "Ichimonjigo," who later became famous for wearing dentures in old age.

1940　昭和15年

Annual attendance exceeds 3 million for the first time.

1941　昭和16年

December: The Pacific War begins.

1942　昭和17年

Nilgai, Domestic Horse, etc. arrived from the Sultan of Johor, Malaysia, via the Southern Army.

During and after the war: the tragedy of war and the restoration of peace

In 1943 (Showa 18), the city of Tokyo, which had jurisdiction over Ueno Zoo, merged with the prefecture to become Tokyo Metropolis.
In the same year, by order of the Tokyo Metropolitan Governor, a culling of dangerous animals was carried out, resulting in the deaths of not only bears, Lion, and tigers, but also elephants, which were popular attractions at zoos.
Furthermore, Hippopotamus that escaped culling at that time were also culled after the Great Tokyo Air Raid in March 1945, due to the resulting lack of feed.

After the war, Ueno Zoo 's recovery was remarkable, and with the slogan "Zoo is the Peace," it was able to bring a breath of warmth to people exhausted by the chaos of the postwar period.

1943　昭和18年

In the summer, elephants and wild animals are culled during the war.

1945　昭和20年

In March, after the Great Tokyo Air Raid, Hippopotamus were also disposed of.
The war ends in August.

1947　昭和22年

In June, the zoo's name was changed to Ueno Zoological Gardens.
In order to collect the feed that was in short supply, an initiative was also implemented in which people were allowed to enter the park with just one cup of pumpkin seeds.

1948　昭和23年

1949　昭和24年

From the 70th anniversary celebration to the opening of the large aquarium: an era of development

The 70th anniversary celebration held in 1952 (Showa 27) was an event that symbolized the revival of Ueno Zoo.
With the expansion of the zoo grounds that began in 1949 (Showa 24), it became four times larger than before the war by the time of the anniversary festival, and a saltwater aquarium was also opened. Furthermore, in the summer of the same year, animals from Africa arrived, and the zoo became very lively.

Following this, a period of development began for Ueno Zoo. Major projects such as the purchase of gorillas, the opening of the monorail, and the construction of Aesop Bridge coincided, and to commemorate the zoo's 80th anniversary, a large aquarium (aquarium and reptile house) was opened. As a result, the number of animals kept at Ueno Zoo increased dramatically.

1952　昭和27年

A grand celebration will be held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the park's opening, and a saltwater aquarium will open.
In summer, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, Black Rhinoceros, Domestic Horse arrive from Africa.

1957　昭和32年

The first monorail in Japan opens.
Gorillas arrive at the zoo.

1961　昭和36年

"Aesop Bridge" completed.
The name was chosen through a public contest and judged by poet Hachiro Sato.

1964　昭和39年

The Great Aquarium opens.

The zoo's major renovation project and the arrival of pandas: a stepping stone to the second century

The facilities built during the modernization efforts of the early Showa period were showing signs of aging by this time, and a major renovation plan was devised in preparation for the park's 100th anniversary.

The completion of the elephant enclosure marked the beginning of a gradual transformation of the park's landscape. In 1972, to commemorate the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, Giant Panda "Kang Kang" and "Lan Lan" arrived, and the number of visitors quickly increased. In 1977, renovations to the northern part of the west West Garden, primarily focused on earthquake countermeasures, began, and a new group of animal enclosures, including a small animal enclosure, was constructed.

In 1982 (Showa 57), Ueno Zoo celebrated its 100th anniversary and entered its second century.

1968　昭和43年

The elephant house is completed.

1972　昭和47年

1977　昭和52年

Renovation work West Garden begins.

1979　昭和54年

Giant Panda "Lang Lang" dies.

1980　昭和55年

In January, a new female Giant Panda, Huan Huan, arrived at the zoo.
In June, the male Giant Panda Kang Kang died.
In July, the renovation West Garden was completed.

1982　昭和57年

A ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the park's opening was held on March 20th.
In November, Giant Panda named Fei Fei arrived from Beijing Zoo.

1984　昭和59年

Female Asian elephants Asher and Daya have arrived Asian Elephant.

1986　昭和61年

1988　昭和63年

In June, a Giant Panda named Yuyu was born.

1989: The first year of the Heisei era

In October, Tokyo Sea Life Park opened as part of the park's 100th anniversary celebrations.

Ueno Zoo 's transformation since its 100th anniversary

Since the 1970s, zoos have come to recognize the important role of preserving rare animal species, and in 1989, Tokyo launched the "Zoo Stock Project," in which metropolitan zoos share the responsibility of breeding and raising animals.
As a result, several new facilities have opened that prioritize animal welfare, including "Gorilla Woods and Tiger Forest," Vivarium (vivarium), "Elephant Forest," and "Bear Hill."

In April 2011, the zoo opened its doors to the public with two Giant Panda for the first time in approximately three years.
In October of the same year, "Polar Ber and Seal Oceans" which features a large enclosure, also opened.

1991　平成3年

Based on the Zoo Stock Plan, Lion were moved to Tama Zoo.

1992　平成4年

In November, Giant Panda Ling Ling arrived and Yu Yu went to the Beijing Zoo.

1996　平成8年

1999　平成11年

2000　平成12年

In July, Western Lowland Gorilla Momoko gave birth to a male.
He was named "Momotaro" and released to the public in October. In July, Giant Panda "Tonton" died.

2001　平成13年

Aye-aye and grey gentle lemurs have arrived from Madagascar.
In November, Giant Panda Ling Ling was loaned to Mexico's Chapultepec Zoo as part of a cooperative breeding program.

2002　平成14年

The Indian Lion exhibit begins.
Western Lowland Gorilla Momoko and Momotarou, mother and son, return to Chiba City Zoo.

2003　平成15年

In December, Giant Panda named "Shuang Shuang" arrived from Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico.
They stayed there until 2005 (Heisei 17) as part of a joint breeding program.

2004　平成16年

"Elephant Forest" completed.

2005　平成17年

Supporter-funded improvements to the exhibits include the completion of the "Otter Tube" and the Canadian Porcupine exhibit.

2006　平成18年

2007　平成19年

New flamingo house opens.
Haoko, a male Western Lowland Gorilla, arrives from Taronga Zoo.

2008　平成20年

Male Giant Panda Ling Ling dies.
A female Sumatran Tiger, Manis, arrives from Taman Safari in Indonesia.

2009　平成21年

Eastern Black Rhinoceros "Argo" gives birth to his first baby, a female named "Mimika".
"Aye-aye Forest" opens.
Western Lowland Gorilla Momoko gives birth to a female who has been named Komomo.

2010　平成22年

The museum begins exhibiting Japanese Macaque of the Shimokita Peninsula, a natural monument.
Fossa unveiled in Japan for the first time.

2011　平成23年

2012　平成24年

Event commemorating the 130th anniversary of the park's opening.
Giant Panda pair, give birth but die within 7 days

2013　平成25年

Western Lowland Gorilla Momoko gives birth to her third child, a female, and names her Momoka.
Giant Panda Shin Shin showed signs of pregnancy, but it was determined to be a false pregnancy.
Short-beaked Echidna on display for the first time in 105 years.

2014　平成26年

The management office relocated to West Garden on March 10th, and the zoo hall was closed and demolished on June 23rd for earthquake-proofing purposes.
Keahi, a male Sumatran Tiger owned by the Honolulu Zoo in Hawaii, has arrived at the zoo on a breeding loan.

2015　平成27年

Bentenmon Gate will be temporarily closed from August 18th due to facility maintenance West Garden.

2016　平成28年

Earthquake-proofing work is now in full swing.
The main gate will be temporarily closed from April 1st to August 8th, and Former Mail Gate will be used as a temporary gate during the construction period.
The free rest area East Garden will be closed from April 1st.
Asian Elephant elephant Utai becomes pregnant but miscarries.

2017　平成29年

Giant Panda Shin Shin gives birth to a female panda named Xiang Xiang.
Momoko, Western Lowland Gorilla, gives birth to a male and names him "Riki."
The Children's Zoo has been relocated and reopened as "Children's Zoo STEP."

2018　平成30年

A temporary gate has begun to be used due to renovation work on the main gate.
In order to protect rare animals, a male okapi named Bakkari was brought to the zoo from the White Oak Conservation Center in the United States, and a male Sumatran Tiger Park.

2019 Heisei 31/Reiwa 1st year

Japanese rock Rock Ptarmigan, which began being raised in 2015 for protection and propagation, will be open to the public from March.

Acceptance of credit card and electronic money payments at the admissions counter for purchasing admission tickets and annual passes
Monorail service suspended - Shuttle bus service begins

2020　令和2年

Giraffe "Hikari" is born
East Garden free rest area and Saruyama Kitchen open
Giant Panda Ri Ri and Shin Shin move from East Garden Panda House to West Garden Panda Forest
Asian Elephant "Arun" is born

2021　令和3年

Giant Panda twins born, named "Xiao Xiao" and "Lei Lei"
Online ticket sales begin with online payment
Japan's first artificially inseminated Japanese rock Rock Ptarmigan

2022　令和4年

Giant Panda twins reopen to the public
Western Lowland Gorilla Momoko gives birth to baby Sumomo
Certified as a "rare species conservation zoo, botanical garden, etc." by the Ministry of the Environment

2023　令和5年

Giant Panda "Xiang Xiang" returned to Japan
Sumatran Tiger "Mimpi" gives birth to "Asa".
Sumatran Tiger "Mimpi" gives birth to "Alona," "Abadi," and "Makumul."

2024　令和6年

Giant Panda Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei will be exhibited individually
Japan's first successful semen collection and artificial breeding of wild Japanese rock Rock Ptarmigan
Giant Panda "Ri Ri" and "Xin Xin" returned
The exhibition of Japanese Macaque kept at Monkey Mountain has been discontinued.

2025　令和7年

Bonin Flying Fox on public display for the first time in 45 years
Pygmy Hippopotamus Natsume gives birth to baby Kobushi
80th Anniversary of the End of the War Project "Passing the Baton of Peace from the Zoo"