愛媛県立とべ動物園

Ehime Prefectural Tobe Zoological Park is famous for “”Peace,”” a polar bear known as the first in Japan to be successfully hand-reared with artificial feeding. The zoo opened in 1953 as Dogo Zoo and relocated to Tobe Town in 1987. Today it houses more than 170 animal species. Unique highlights include the only African elephant parent-and-child pair living together in Japan and the Papuan hornbill (Papua-kui-dori), which is kept only here in Japan. The penguin enclosure, where visitors can watch penguins swimming from below, is also a must-see. Food options include the “”Observation Restaurant SKY GARDEN”” with kid-friendly and photogenic items like a bear curry plate and “”Peace toast,”” as well as adult-oriented menu items like “”Omu-lion”” (omurice). The snack corner offers “”animal soft-serve”” ice cream. At the “”Fureai Shop,”” visitors can buy original zoo goods such as a plush called “”Kigurumi Peace,”” showing Peace dressed in a white tiger costume.