Nishiyama Zoo

Overview

Nishiyama Zoo is an admission-free municipal zoo located within Nishiyama Park in Sakura-chō, Sabae city, Fukui Prefecture. Set on a low hill inside the park, it is best known for its red pandas.

Highlights

• ●A free-admission municipal zoo that's easy to visit
• ●A large group of red pandas, the city's official animal
• ●Red-crowned cranes, François' langurs, and lar gibbons donated by the Beijing Zoo
• ●A green, hillside setting within Nishiyama Park

History

The zoo opened on April 11, 1985, though a founding pair of red pandas donated by the Beijing Zoo in 1984 had already arrived at the site the year before, once the enclosures were ready. Their descendants have continued across generations, with the youngest pandas today belonging to the seventh generation. The Beijing Zoo went on to donate red-crowned cranes in 1985, François' langurs in 1987, and lar gibbons in 1991, further expanding the zoo's collection.

Map

35.9506, 136.1809 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Walk to Nishiyama Zoo from Nishi-Sabae Station or Nishiyama-Kōen Station
2. 2Spend time observing the red panda group
3. 3See the cranes, langurs, and gibbons linked to the Beijing Zoo donations
4. 4Stroll through Nishiyama Park to enjoy the seasonal scenery

Did you know?

💡 The red panda is designated as Sabae city's official animal, and the zoo's group of 11 individuals as of 2018 ranked among the largest in Japan despite the zoo's small size and free admission. Other residents include black squirrel monkeys, pheasants, red-crowned cranes, and peafowl.

Nearby spots