The Importance of Loving One Another
広島市安佐動物公園の仲のいいクロサイ夫婦（たぶん右が母）
古い写真なので、実はいまこの２頭とも天国ですが、この施設ではクロサイやシマウマ、日本の天然記念物になっているサンショウウオの繁殖に精力的に取り組んでいます。
私の妻も５年前に天国に旅立ちましたが、この動物園には数回行ってます。
でも、私の写真撮影の時間が長いので、妻はベンチで子供と座っている時間が長かったです。
This photograph shows a close and affectionate pair of black rhinoceroses that once lived at Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park.
As this is an older photograph, both of these rhinos have since passed away. However, the zoo continues to work actively and passionately on conservation and breeding programs, including those for black rhinoceroses, zebras, and the Japanese giant salamander, which is designated as a Natural Monument of Japan.
My wife also passed away five years ago, but I have visited this zoo several times since then.
During those visits, while I spent long hours taking photographs, she often sat on a bench nearby with children, waiting patiently.
動物園で個体を貸し借りしながら繁殖するブリーディングローンというのがありますが、人間と同じように相性がある。
日本には今は少なくなったが、見合いという制度があった。
いきなり別世界に連れられてきた動物たちが、オスとメスで引き合わされて繁殖というのは、疑問もあるけれどこの写真みて！
とっても素敵なカップルで、ちゃんと赤ちゃん（足が見えてる）も生まれている。
In zoos, there is a system known as a breeding loan, in which animals are transferred between facilities for breeding purposes.
Just like humans, however, animals also have compatibility and preferences.
In Japan, there used to be a custom called omiai, an arranged meeting intended to lead to marriage.
When animals are suddenly brought into an unfamiliar environment and paired as a male and female solely for breeding, it can raise questions and doubts.
But look at this photograph.
This pair was truly a wonderful couple, and they successfully gave birth to a baby—you can even see the tiny legs in the image.
繫殖に関しては私は難しいことはわかりません。
これは飼育ならびに動物園の専門家が発言することであり、写真家が発言することではないのだが、その施設での得意分野で絶滅危惧種を増やすのには大賛成です。
なによりこの夫婦の幸せそうな表情が写真として皆様に紹介できるのがその証拠になる。
私は動物たちのフォトグラファーとして、幸せな時間をみなさまと過ごしている。
I am not in a position to speak about the complexities of breeding.
Such matters should be addressed by zoo professionals and animal care specialists, not by photographers.
That said, I wholeheartedly support efforts to increase endangered species through fields in which each facility excels, ensuring these animals have a future.
Above all, the calm and content expressions of this pair speak for themselves.
Being able to share that moment with you through photography is proof enough.
As a wildlife photographer,
I am honored to share these moments of happiness with you.
