Fukushima zoo’s elephants to move to Okinawa during winter
Asian elephant Tonsai
November 19, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo
In December, two Asian elephants from Tohoku Safari Park in Fukushima are coming to Okinawa Zoo and Museum to spend the winter. On November 18, Okinawa City Mayor Sachio Kuwae and the president of Tohoku Safari Park Nobushige Kumakubo signed an agreement on the care of the two elephants, at Okinawa City Office on November 18.
From October 2012, Tohoku Safari Park has cared for two elephants, Tonsai and Boonthong as part of a project called “Japan-Lao Goodwill Elephant”. The temperature in Fukushima during winter gets as low as minus 10 degree Celsius. These animals need to have their room kept warm at 15 degrees celsius.
Boonthong
Moving the two elephants to Okinawa during winter also provides a chance to promote Fukushima to Okinawa, as well as saving on the heating bill. Kumakubo said, “I want local people and earthquake disaster refugees living in Okinawa from Fukushima to feel the kindness and cuteness of the elephants and enjoy touching them.”
Three Lao mahouts will visit Okinawa with the two elephants. Children can enjoy riding the elephants at Okinawa Zoo and Museum.
(English translation by T&CT, Hitomi Shinzato)
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Webcam(Kokusai Street)
