Message from the Chair Director

On April 1, 2021, a new chapter in the story of Tennoji Zoo begins. On this date the Zoo ceases to be directly managed by the City of Osaka, becoming instead a Local Independent Administrative Agency.

Tennoji Zoo is Japan’s third-longest-serving zoo, having been in operation for over 100 years. Throughout this period, with the support and understanding of the citizens of Osaka and countless others, the Zoo has served as a public educational institution, furthering widespread education through the exhibition of animals and other activities. Moreover, the Zoo has worked hard to enhance its value as a recreational facility, providing rest and recreation to its many visitors.

Before becoming Chair of Tennoji Zoo, I served in zoo management at Misaki Park, also here in Osaka Prefecture. However, this position will soon become a new experience for me, as this will be the first case of management of a zoo as a Local Independent Administrative Agency.

The Local Independent Administrative Agency system is neither direct administration by the city nor private management. Putting my previous experience to work, and leveraging the unique advantages of the new system, I intend to advance truly animal-focused management. In this way I aim to make Tennoji Zoo “a zoo that contributes to international society and of which we can be proud before the world,” worthy of the City of Osaka and Osaka Prefecture, as stated in the medium-term targets.

In managing Tennoji Zoo, I will maintain close dialogue with Zoo staff and guide the development of the Zoo. I want to make Tennoji Zoo that contributes to the region as a facility where visitors can relax and enjoy themselves.

Although animal ecology is really Mr. Mukai’s area of expertise, the more one knows about the subject the more interesting it becomes, and so I want to make Tennoji Zoo a place where people can delve deeply into a wide range of topics in zoology. I hope people will visit frequently, maximizing opportunities to see them, hear their voices, even smell them, confirming such wonderful animals really exist.

I greatly look forward to meeting you.

Makoto Yamanaka
Chair Director
Osaka Tennoji Zoo

A Local Independent Administrative Agency
April 1, 2021