Chiba Zoological Park

Chiba Zoological Park, located in Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, is a lush green zoo widely known for Futa the red panda, who became famous for standing upright on two legs. The grounds are divided into a variety of areas, including the Monkey Zone, Small Animal Zone, Birds and Aquatic Zone, Grassland Zone, Great Pond, and Children’s Zoo, and more than 100 species of animals are exhibited and kept there, including red pandas, gorillas, shoebill storks, elephants, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs.

In the Grassland Zone, there is the prefecture’s only lion exhibit, “Keiyo Gakuin Lion School,” where visitors can experience the power of lions up close through glass. Especially popular live events include “Lion Meat Catcher,” in which lions leap at meat hung from above, and “Cheetah Run,” in which cheetahs sprint at full speed after a lure, allowing visitors to see movements just like those in the wild. These events are sometimes suspended during the summer.

The Monkey Zone boasts one of Japan’s leading primate collections, where visitors can observe a wide variety of monkeys and apes such as western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, siamang gibbons, and Brazza’s monkeys. The zoo also places great emphasis on conservation of primates around the world and the breeding of rare species, making it an important place for learning as well.

At “Waku Waku Animal Field” (formerly Fureai Doubutsu no Sato), visitors can enjoy feeding alpacas and goats and even experience horse riding, making it a popular area where people can get much closer to the animals. It also features a barbecue area that can be enjoyed without bringing anything, as well as a café and a kids’ park, making it enjoyable for a wide range of ages, including families and couples.

The park is designed with areas arranged radially around the central fountain plaza, making it easy to explore efficiently. Another attraction is its excellent access, just a one-minute walk from Dobutsukoen Station on the Chiba Urban Monorail. In November 2024, it was certified as a “registered museum,” and in March 2025, the Animal Science Museum was renovated and reopened as “Forest of Life: Tropical Rainforest,” transforming it into a facility where visitors can enjoyably learn about nature and ecosystems.

Chiba Zoological Park is an appealing destination where visitors can encounter a diverse range of living creatures, from adorable small animals to impressive large ones, making it a great spot for both families and couples.