JPN: Kobe Oji Zoo (Part 2)

3-1 Ojicho, Nada, Kobe, Japan
Thu-Tue: 10.00am - 5.00pm (Mar-Oct)
                10.00an - 4.30pm (Nov-Feb)

Welcome to Part 2 of Kobe Oji Zoo, which has been around since 1951! In addition to the various animal exhibits, the zoo has also got a small amusement park for children within its premise, alongside a zoological science centre and a 19th century house that you can explore when you come at the right time.


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Say hello to a few nocturnal animals!


I'm not sure if those night monkeys look adorable or scary.

Such big eyes you've got there!
Some herbivores are grouped together.

I wonder if that's supposed to be a sundial surrounded by the twelve Chinese zodiac figures.


Did you know that just like human fingerprints, each zebra has got a unique stripe pattern?

Giraffes only need to drink twice every few days, they say.



I was hoping to see some kangaroos prancing around, but they were all lazing around instead.



Hippopotamuses aren't obligate herbivores, and are thus capable of switching to a meat-based diet.


Apparently, there are more red pandas located at that section of the zoo. Recall that there's also one  residing in the Animal and Children's Land that I featured in Part 1.



Look at these two walking gracefully.



The former residence of Edward Hazlett Hunter, the founder of Osaka Iron Works in 1881 (now Hitachi Zosen Corporation), is situated within the premise of the zoo. The zoo pamphlet states that the interior is only open a few months each year, typically in April, May and October. However, my BFFs and I were so lucky that we could go inside when we were there in December 2019.


Designated as an Important Cultural Property by the nation in 1966, the house is regarded
as one of the best Western style buildings of the Meiji era.


Every step that you take will create a creaking wooden sound.
You can go up to the second floor.



The house overlooks the amusement park section of the zoo.
We didn't really explore the amusement park, but we managed to take a closer look from a platform not far from the house.


The zoological science centre houses some skeletal specimens, but we didn't go in as we were planning to go elsewhere after leaving the zoo before it got dark.


There's a rest area next to the zoological science centre where you can relax.



I love the colours of that Christmas tree.
You can watch the penguins play from inside too.

Care to make a guess how many penguins are there in total?


"Nobody wants to play with me... What about you, human?"

It's no doubt that the panda in the zoo is well-loved by many.



The panda gets a big enough space for itself, but I believe there are more than one.



I love watching the gentle giants having their late lunch.



Looking so happy!
Here's a short video clip of one of the elephants munching the greens.


We also had a late lunch at a family-friendly eatery called Bao Bao.


Light bites and drinks are sold at the kiosk outside the eatery.


Let's create a better world for all living beings to coexist amiably.
After stuffing ourselves, we took a quick look at the colourful birds.




Finally, we spent some time observing the big cats.

"Go away! Don't look at me!"

Does seeing its face make you think of the Guy Fawkes mask?
 

Would you like to take a closer look at the lion? I mean a really close look.


Don't forget to check out the souvenir shop near the entrance of the zoo.



I really had lots of fun at the zoo. Had I known earlier how amazing the zoo is, I would've allocated more time there.

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