Zoorasia

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is an international policy forum based on the theme of African Development, which the Government of Japan holds jointly with many international organizations. Yokohama became the host city for TICAV IV in 2008 and retains the honor this year again for TICAD V (June 1 to 3, 2013) thanks to the success it achieved the first time around.

On this occasion, Presidents, Prime Ministers and other representatives from African, Asian and European countries, international organizations, NGOs, etc., will gather in Yokohama for this large-scale international conference. Many initiatives were taken by Yokohama towards TICAD V, one of which being the opening of a new section in the African Savanna zone of Zoorasia Yokohama Zoological Gardens（外部サイト）.

Zoorasia, the largest zoological garden in Yokohama, opened in 1999. The idea was to create a space where nature and animals live in harmony within the city. The zoo was built using the best methods of displaying the way animals live in their original environment. As for the African zone, first, a tropical rainforest section opened in 2003, followed by a multiuse rest area in 2004. With other sections opening in 2006, 2007 and 2009, the African section rapidly grew bigger and bigger.

Which brings us to 2013. On April 19th, I went to Zoorasia for the opening of a new section. The Mayor of Yokohama, the Ambassador of Tanzania, Her Excellency Salome T. Sijaona, as well as citizens celebrated the opening alongside a few animals from the zoo.

Although the African Savanna zone is still in the process of being renovated, Zoorasia opened a new section called the Bird Show Theater. As the name suggests, it is more than an aviary as there will be bird shows to entertain visitors. The Embassy of Tanzania has contributed in setting up this new exhibit such as by providing information on the different birds that are housed in this section.

To give us a taste, we were actually treated to a shorter version of the show that will be put on. Judging from what I saw, the complete show will undoubtedly be fascinating. The trainers were well rehearsed and knew just how to entertain and joke when the birds didn’t move according to plan. They showed a great deal of knowledge on their avian partners.

They even asked Mayor Hayashi to participate. She calmly took the stage and put on the special gauntlet while everyone nervously waited for what was to follow. The bird expertly landed on her arm accompanied by applauds for the spectators.

The bird show was preceded and followed by live percussions, a great way to end a great day!

(Cette page en français)

Zoorasia Yokohama Zoological Gardens Official Site（外部サイト）