We will be moving Polar Bear "Ikoru" (Updated 10/19: The planned date for the move has been decided)

We would like to inform you that Ueno Zoo will be transferring its Polar Bear, "Ikoro" (male), to Tennoji Zoo (Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture).

Polar Bear on the move

Planned moving date

Since the training to get the animals accustomed to the transport cage is progressing smoothly, we have decided on a scheduled date for their move.
Monday, November 2, 2026
*Depending on the animals' condition, the transfer may be postponed.
If it is postponed, we will inform you again.

background

At our zoo, we are working in cooperation with other zoos and aquariums to promote the breeding of Polar Bear, which are endangered animals.

In accordance with the Polar Bear management plan of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Ikoru will be transferred to Tennoji Zoo. As a result, Ueno Zoo will only have one polar bear, and we hope to acquire a male polar bear in the future.

Regarding future exhibitions

We plan to continue the exhibition until the day before the removal date.

However, the exhibit schedule may change depending on the animal's condition and training to get used to the transport cage. Also, since the polar bear is exhibited in rotation with other Polar Bear, it may not be available to see at certain times. Thank you for your understanding.

Status of training for travel (Added October 2, 2026)

Currently, as part of preparations for the move, we are training Ikoru to get used to the transport cage. We have published an article summarizing the progress.