General information

Research and Studies with Zoo Research Activities

Zoos house a wide variety of animals, including species that are threatened with extinction. In order to keep the animals healthy and to facilitate breeding, it is necessary to know a wide range of information, such as the type and quantity of food to feed them, the type of nests to prepare, when males and females should meet to breed, and the kinds of diseases and injuries to watch out for. This information varies for each species and must be understood individually. Animal research is another important aspect of the zoo's mission. As more and more animal species require conservation, research and study in zoos are becoming increasingly important.

Tennoji Zoo is also working to promote research and survey initiatives. For research and surveys that the zoo cannot conduct independently, we collaborate with other zoos and aquariums, as well as with universities and other research institutions. We will continue to promote organized efforts to obtain useful results for wildlife.

Achievements of Joint Research at Tennoji Zoo (An Example)

Theme Target Animals Research Outline and Tennoji Zoo's Involvement Circumstances Material
Measuring the Behavior of Captive Animals Using Data Loggers Black Rhinoceros, Kiwis 【Research Outline】
Data loggers (devices that store various data measured and collected by sensors) are attached to the target animals to record their daily movements, such as activity levels and resting time. The data is statistically processed and analyzed to study ways to improve the quality of life of the target animals at the breeding site.

【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
Data loggers are attached to animals to collect behavioral statistics.
Active
Research on Immortalized Animal Cell Lines Overall 【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
The samples are collected from a portion of the animal's tissue.
Active
Longitudinally cut polar bear fur Polar bear 【Research Outline】
Polar bear fur is not white, but transparent and hollow. In this research, we studied the structure of these hairs by cutting them vertically rather than horizontally.

【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
We collected and provided polar bear fur samples.
Research Completed and Published Material
Behavioral and Developmental Studies of Polar Bear Mothers and Cubs Polar bear 【Research Outline】
This is an observation of the behavior of a female polar bear, Hou-chan, born on November 25, 2020, and her mother, Icchan. It is difficult to observe polar bears in the wild for extended periods, but in a zoo setting, it is possible to closely observe, investigate, and study them. One of the main roles of zoos is to scientifically analyze the ecology, behavior, reproduction, diseases, aging, and child-rearing of animals to ensure they live more comfortably
Research Completed
Efforts to Expand Quality of Life for Chinese Grey Wolf Chinese Grey Wolf 【Research Outline】
QOL is an abbreviation for “quality of life” and is a concept that indicates “quality of life. Enhancing this quality of life can improve the welfare of animals. This study examines efforts to improve the quality of life of captive Chinese Grey Wolf.
【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
Each time we implement a new approach (e.g., changing feeding methods), we observe the changes in the behavior of the Chinese Grey Wolves.
Active
Development of Environmental Conservation Teaching Materials and Evaluation of Their Effectiveness in Raising Awareness Golden Eagle 【Research Outline】
The golden eagle is a bird of the hawk family, but in the wild, particularly in Japanese forests, it is a keystone species (animals and plants that have a significant impact on the ecosystem by preying on other animals and plants) at the top of the food chain, alongside species like the bear hawk. To preserve Japan's forest environment (i.e., to protect it in its natural state), it is necessary to protect the golden eagle. This research focuses on studying what kinds of educational activities can be conducted for environmental conservation around keystone species such as golden eagles and bear hawks, and the educational effects these activities can have.
【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
We implemented educational activities during events such as Zoo School and Tottokomi Talks, and gathered surveys from participants.
Research Completed and Published
Studies on the Breeding of the Malayan Sun Bear or Spotted Hyena Malayan Sun Bear
Spotted Hyena
【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
The samples are collected from a portion of the animal's tissue.
Active
Studies on Delayed Implantation in Bears. Bear Species 【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
The samples are collected from a portion of the animal's tissue.
Active
Research on the skeletal morphology associated with the growth of extant birds birds 【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
The samples are collected from a portion of the animal's tissue.
Active
Research on the digestion rate, body temperature, and activity level of the Aldabra giant tortoise Aldabra Tortoise 【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
The samples are collected from a portion of the animal's tissue.
Active
Research on Social Positioning and Changes in Architectural Styles in Japanese Zoo Design - 【Research Outline】
Although there are many theories, Japanese zoos have a long history, particularly Tennoji Zoo, the third zoo established in Japan, with over 100 years of history. As times have changed, so too have the architectural methods (construction techniques), designs, and functionalities of the buildings (animal enclosures and exhibition halls) within the zoo. This research is focused on studying the nature of these changes.
【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
They provided materials and other information related to the animal enclosures.
Research Completed and Published
Impact of the New Penguin House on Penguin and Visitor Behavior Humboldt Penguin 【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
Penguin behavior was observed and recorded both before and after the move to the new facility.
Active
Relation Between Genetic Relationships and Social Behavior Among Flamingo Individuals Chilean Flamingo
Caribbean Flamingo
【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
We cooperated in the behavioral observations.
Research Completed and Published Material
Relationship Between Social Interactions and Rubbing, Proximity, and Aggressive Behaviors Among Sea Lion Individuals California Sea Lion 【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
We cooperated in the behavioral observations.
Research Completed and Published Material
Evaluation of Effective Enrichment for Hippopotamus Hippopotamus 【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
We cooperated in the behavioral observations and assisted in the trial of various enrichment methods.
Research Completed and Published Material
Study of Genetic Diversity in Domestically Bred Black Rhinoceroses Black Rhinoceros 【Tennoji Zoo's involvement】
We collected and provided blood and other animal tissue samples.
Research Completed and Published Material
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