Kushiro City Zoo
釧路市は北海道の東部に位置する動物園になります。
ここの動物園の一番の人気者だったアムールトラのタイガとココアで、生まれつき後ろ足に障害を持っているにもかかわらず、懸命に生きてきた２頭のきょうだいの物語があります。
２００８年に生まれた兄と妹のアムールトラですが仮死状態で生まれ、また後ろ足に成長不全の軟骨成長不全症という障がいがあり、飼育員さんたちにより、日本で初めてのアムールトラが人工飼育で育てられました。
タイガは１歳で餌をのどに詰まらせて死亡しましたが、ココアは１７年という生涯で旅立ちました。
この写真がその直後に釧路動物園に行ったときのものです。
Kushiro City Zoo is located in eastern Hokkaido, Japan.
One of the zoo’s most beloved animals was a pair of Amur tiger siblings named Taiga and Cocoa. Despite being born with disabilities affecting their hind legs, these two siblings lived their lives with remarkable strength, leaving a deep impression on many visitors.
The brother and sister were born in 2008 in a state of apparent stillbirth and were later diagnosed with chondrodysplasia, a congenital condition that prevented normal growth of the cartilage in their hind legs. Because of this condition, they required intensive care, and for the first time in Japan, Amur tigers were successfully raised through artificial feeding by dedicated keepers.
Tragically, Taiga passed away at the age of one after choking on food. Cocoa, however, continued to live at the zoo and passed away after a long life of 17 years.
This photograph was taken shortly after Cocoa’s passing, when I visited Kushiro City Zoo.
このアムールトラのタイガとココアは、障がいを持つ人を含めて日本中に感動と勇気を与えてくれました。
たくさんのメッセージが届いていたのがその証拠で、とくにココアは優しい顔つきをしていたので、その死亡のニュースは私にとっても、とてもショックでした・・・
ココアが生前の元気だったころの写真もありますので、いつの日かご紹介できることがあると思います。
ココア 安らかにお眠りください。
Taiga and Cocoa, the Amur tigers, gave inspiration and courage to people all across Japan, including those living with disabilities. The many messages of support sent to the zoo are clear proof of how deeply their story touched people’s hearts.
Cocoa, in particular, was known for her gentle expression, and the news of her passing was a great shock to me as well.
I also have photographs of Cocoa from her healthier and more energetic days, and I hope to share them someday in the future.
Rest in peace, Cocoa.
