An event was held in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, where children could experience the work of a zookeeper. The children who participated were shown around the back of the zoo, which is usually off-limits, and it seems that their interest in animals has increased.

Wanpaku Kochi Animal Land has been holding events where people can experience the work of a zookeeper for about 30 years.

The children experienced making food for the animals. This group cut steamed sweet potatoes, apples, oranges, etc. into bite-sized pieces so that Kino, the Asiatic black bear, could easily digest them.

After cutting the food, the children put it in the cage while Kino waits in the back.

Kino-chan immediately found food inside the toy! The children were fascinated by the various movements and behaviors of Kino-chan, watching and drawing them.

(participant)
“An Asiatic black bear was eating. It occasionally put its paws on the ground and looked over at me. I thought it looked like a human.”

We were also shown around the zoo’s backstage, including the hospital where injured animals are cared for, and learned about the ecology and characteristics of the animals.

(participant)
“It’s been a while since I last came here, but I’m glad I was able to have all sorts of strange experiences that I don’t usually get to have. I’d like to try using it for my summer vacation research project.”

Through the work of the zookeepers, the children’s interest in animals has increased, and it seems to have become a memorable page in their summer vacation.