“Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa – A Pioneer of Behavioral Exhibits in Japan”
「水中を飛ぶように泳ぐペンギンの姿。
“空飛ぶペンギン”と呼ばれたこの一瞬こそ、旭山動物園が世界に知られるきっかけとなった行動展示を象徴しています。」
“Often described as a ‘flying penguin,’ this moment perfectly captures the spirit of Asahiyama Zoo’s behavioral exhibits.”
旭山動物園は私が生まれた1967年（７歳）旭川市の郊外にオープンしました。
順調に観客数を増やしてきたが、かつてエキノコックスの問題などから来園者が減少し、廃園の危機に立たされた動物園でした。
しかしそこで生まれた「行動展示」という発想は、動物の本来の姿を伝える展示として全国に先駆けて注目され、やがて世界中の動物ファンに知られる存在となります。
Asahiyama Zoo opened in 1967, in the suburban area of Asahikawa City, the city where I was born.
For many years, the zoo steadily increased its number of visitors.
However, due to various challenges—including concerns related to echinococcosis—visitor numbers eventually declined, and the zoo once faced the serious risk of closure.
It was during this difficult period that the concept of “behavioral exhibits” was born.
By focusing on showing animals as they truly are, this innovative approach attracted attention nationwide and eventually transformed Asahiyama Zoo into a place admired by animal lovers around the world.
動物福祉と先進的な展示方法を続けてきた旭山動物園は、自分のふるさとと共に自慢できる旭川市の動物園です。
日本のいちばん北に属する動物園ですが、いまでも進化している施設として胸を張って紹介できるところです。
By continuing to prioritize animal welfare and innovative exhibition methods, Asahiyama Zoo has grown into a place that the people of Asahikawa—including myself—can truly be proud of.
Although it is located in one of the northernmost regions of Japan, the zoo continues to evolve even today, making it a place I can confidently introduce to visitors from around the world.
