Tokuyama Zoo: A Relaxing Animal Park in Yamaguchi Prefecture
山口県の周南市にある徳山動物園を紹介します。
この動物園の特徴は、世界一美しいといわれるアカアシドゥクラングールという動物。
オスとメスが同居していて、室内と室外を自由に行き来できるような施設になっています。
その昔、頭を抱える（悩むポーズに見える）ツヨシというマレーグマで大人気になった動物園ですが、すでに死亡して代わりに人気になっているのがアカアシドゥクラングールです。
Tokuyama Zoo is located in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
This zoo is especially well known for housing the Red-shanked Douc Langur, a primate often described as one of the most beautiful monkeys in the world.
At Tokuyama Zoo, male and female douc langurs are kept together in a thoughtfully designed enclosure that allows them to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces. This environment provides visitors with a rare opportunity to observe their natural behavior up close.
In the past, the zoo gained nationwide attention for a Malayan sun bear named Tsuyoshi, famous for his human-like “thinking pose.” After his passing, the Red-shanked Douc Langur has become the new symbol of the zoo, attracting visitors with its striking colors and gentle presence.
このアカアシドゥクラングールは目が大きくて写真も映えます。
ただ、東南アジアの熱帯雨林に棲む動物のため、寒さに弱いのか冬の展示は見送られているようです。
日本の動物園でも限られた施設でしか見られない貴重な動物ですので、是非とも訪れてほしい場所です。
The Red-shanked Douc Langur is particularly striking for its large, expressive eyes, making it an exceptionally photogenic subject. Its vivid facial features and elegant appearance leave a strong impression, especially for visitors interested in wildlife photography.
However, as this species is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, it is sensitive to cold temperatures. For this reason, outdoor exhibitions are usually suspended during the winter months at Tokuyama Zoo.
Because the Red-shanked Douc Langur can only be seen at a limited number of zoos in Japan, Tokuyama Zoo is a truly special destination. It is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to encounter a rare and beautiful primate up close.
