Osaka Tennoji Zoo

Tennoji Zoo opened in 1915 and boasts a long history of over 110 years. Within its approximately 11-hectare grounds, the zoo houses around 1,000 animals of about 170 species, including lions, chimpanzees, polar bears, and the drill, a unique animal with a completely black face that can only be seen at Tennoji Zoo in Japan. The zoo features "ecological exhibits" that recreate the animals' natural habitats as closely as possible, showcasing the animals' lives in those environments. These include the Reptile Ecology House (IFA), home to the near-threatened Japanese pond turtle; the "Penguin Park & Sea Lion Wharf," where visitors can see penguins and sea lions swimming freely in a marine landscape; and "Bird World," where visitors can observe the diverse ecosystems of birds adapted to various environments up close. Despite being in the heart of the city, visitors can encounter a variety of animals.