Fukuyama City Zoo is located 15 km northwest of Fukuyama Station. While considerably smaller than the prefecture's other zoo, Hiroshima Asa Zoological Park, its newer sections offer as good as or better experience. On the other hand, its older section's cramped rundown cages are an embarrassment to say the least. Thankfully, almost every year since 1999 has seen a major building or exhibit go up at the zoo as part of a much needed renovation and renewal project. A new temperature controlled penguin exhibit is scheduled to open in late 2005.

The zoo could be walked around in as little as 30 minutes but the newer exhibits provide plenty of reasons to stay a while and linger. These exhibits show the zoo's new (more ethical) focus on having breeding pairs of all their animals and creating more natural settings for their guests. The zoo is a little short of land so even many of the new cages aren't very roomy but the quality of life of the animals is no longer in question.

The zoo tour will soon start with its penguin exhibit when it opens shortly, Next, the savanna zone features zebras and giraffes. The flightless birds section allows you to get up close with ostriches, emus and cassowaries. Topping off the birds is a large modern aviary with flamingos on one side and a walk in section on the other side with a menagerie of birds from different parts of the world. Fortunately, African birds don't seem to mind sharing their home with birds from Asia.

There is, of course, a small petting zoo and a reptile house which was completed in 2003. The reptile house has a number of fascinating animals like alligators, snapping turtles, Indian star tortoises and (always popular with little boys) snakes large enough to consider the petting zoo a light snack. Currently, Fuku-chan, the zoo's Asian elephant rounds up the zoo tour. A brand new section for the zoo's monkeys and big cats will end the tour when it is completed in 2006.

There are also a number of paddle boats that can be taken out on the nearby pond.

The zoo's new buildings and exhibits excel in animal care and make the animals easily viewable to visitors. Currently, there are 22 species of mammals, 16 types of birds and 8 reptile species at the zoo. It may not be the largest or most famous attraction in Fukuyama City but the improvements made to it over the last 5 years have made visiting the zoo an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

The biggest disappointment is that, after all its improvements, it is still impossible for the zoo to claim all its animals are well looked after. People's concerns for the welfare of some of the zoo's monkeys and big cats will remain until 2006 when a new section for them is completed.

Reaching the zoo by car is a little tricky as the route is poorly marked. First, turn north off Highway 2 onto Highway 313 east of Fukuyama Station at Fukuyama East Police Station. Later, after crossing under the expressway turn left to cross a small section of the river. Turn left again to reach the road running alongside the river. Follow along the river (either way is fine) and cross at the first bridge you find. Turn west onto the road leading along the south side of the river to the west. The zoo will be on the right side.

To get there by bus take bus 6 (柞麿行き) and get off at Doubutsuenmae Bus Stop. The bus leaves from in front of JR Fukuyama Station and takes 40 minutes to reach the zoo.

See Also: Hiroshima Asa Zoological Park