Kobe Animal Kingdom 神戸どうぶつ王国

Kobe Animal Kingdom Zoo is located on Harbor Island in Kobe City, which itself belongs to Hyōgo Prefecture. This beautiful animal park, easily accessible by transport, is intended for children and adults alike. Through the various thematic spaces such as the tropical forest, the aquatic valley or the kangaroo farm, visitors are encouraged to discover and above all interact with the animals . Here, plants, animals and humans coexist peacefully. Indeed, as in other zoos in the archipelago, certain animals, especially birds, circulate freely and can be approached and fed. The shows are also at the heart of the spirit of the place.

The zoo is divided into two large parts : first an indoor park , and an outdoor park . The interior part is itself made up of four greenhouses, while the exterior area allows you to enjoy riding animals, among other things.

Related : Nasu Animal Kingdom

The inner area

The visit begins with the possibility of being able to pet and interact with various domesticated animals . You can feed colorful parrots , pet rabbits , cats, dogs or even dip your feet in a pool of fish for a "fish pedicure". The center of the greenhouse is occupied by a large basin where birds from Africa such as pelicans, but also lemurs and servals evolve.

Separate greenhouses offer thematic atmospheres to discover the animals in the environment that corresponds to them. The tropical swamp is home to snakes, turtles, and lizards , while the rainforest is home to monkeys, sloths, tapirs, and parrots . In the aquatic valley, you can meet the famous capybaras , mascots in Japan, and seals. In addition, a magnificent pond of water lilies extends right next to the stage dedicated to bird shows.

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The very kawaii red panda is the star of the "Asian forest" area, located right next to a large room housing the "Flower Rain" . This is where you can eat thanks to a buffet restaurant, installed under potted flowers suspended from the ceiling, for a nice relaxing break.

Finally, a new space opened in the spring of 2018: the rocky valley , which is home to North American animals such as wolves, grizzly bears, cougars, eagles, beavers and prairie dogs.

The outdoor park

You can then go to the park located outside, where you will find deer , but also surprising animals such as kangaroos , which you can also feed yourself. South American alpacas are also on hand, as are penguins , who you can watch gorging on fish during their scheduled meal. A very beautiful colorful garden filled with flowerbeds can also be admired in this area in spring and summer.

Finally, one area in particular will delight children: those for animal rides. You will have the choice between riding a horse, pony, or... camel ! Have no fear, all this is perfectly framed and monitored by zoo employees.

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Beautiful animal shows

Like any good self-respecting Japanese animal park, the Kobe Animal Kingdom offers many shows featuring animals , at set times. The most appreciated is undoubtedly that of the birds, organized around the basin of the water lilies. The animators - trainers make hawks, parrots or owls fly there, just above the heads of curious visitors. A flight of pelicans also takes place.

A show also shows the skills of shepherd dogs (border collies), in action with a flock of sheep to manage. You will also be able to participate in snack times called " snack times ", for example with seals, penguins or tapirs.

See also: Animal cafés