Japan’s famous bonfire monkey zoo to close for major revamp
The Japan Monkey Centre, a primate zoo in central Japan known for its winter tradition of monkeys warming themselves by bonfires, will close from mid-October to renovate ageing facilities before reopening in several years. Home to about 700 monkeys of around 50 species, the facility in Inuyama, Aichi prefecture, will open only on weekends and holidays from September, and close its gates from…
The Japan Monkey Centre, a renowned primate zoo in central Japan, is set to undergo a major renovation and close from mid-October for an unspecified period to upgrade its ageing facilities. Located in Inuyama, Aichi prefecture, the facility is home to approximately 700 monkeys representing around 50 species. Known for its traditional winter bonfire tradition since 1959, the zoo will only open on weekends and holidays from September and close its gates for the renovation on October 19.
During this closure, the zoo plans to utilize social media to keep its audience informed about the monkeys and organize events reserved for registered members.
The iconic bonfires at the zoo have a rich history dating back to 1959, three years after its establishment. Initially funded by Nagoya Railroad, the staff burned fallen trees from a massive typhoon, and resident monkeys were observed gathering around the fire. Over time, the zoo became the first in Japan to house mountain gorillas, and it is now recognized as one of the world's leading primate care and research facilities, collaborating with partners such as Kyoto University's Institute for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behaviour.
Since 2014, the zoo has been managed by a Kyoto University-associated non-profit foundation, with operating costs primarily funded through admission fees and contributions under the name "Goshien," a Japanese phrase combining "support" and "monkey." However, the deteriorating condition of fencing, paintwork, and infrastructure, as well as inadequate space for the animals and potential earthquake damage, necessitated the renovation. The project will also involve improvements to air conditioning and walkways within the zoo.
An official stated, "We will carry out a complete overhaul to make this a comfortable place for both the monkeys and our visitors." Meanwhile, the adjacent Japan Monkey Park amusement park, operated by a subsidiary of Nagoya Railroad, will continue its normal operations unaffected by the closure.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
