The park's layout was designed by landscape architect Yoshinobu Ashihara to utilize the natural contours of the Tama Hills.
It is home to a famous group of orangutans that navigate an outdoor 'skywalk' of ropes and platforms above the visitor pathways.
The insectarium features a glass-domed butterfly house that mimics a tropical climate year-round.
The zoo successfully pioneered a group-socialization model for African lions, allowing them to interact in a large pride environment.
The facility maintains a dedicated research and conservation center for the endangered Tsushima leopard cat.
The park was the first in Japan to house cheetahs and has one of the country's most successful cheetah breeding programs.
An internal loop shuttle bus is necessary for visitors to traverse the steep gradients between the main gates and the high-altitude exhibits.
The zoo grounds include a preserved section of traditional Japanese woodland that attracts wild native bird species.
The park maintains a dedicated facility for the study and rehabilitation of Japanese species like the Japanese crane.
Tama Zoological Park is a 52-hectare wildlife facility in Hino, Tokyo, distinguished by its hilly, naturalistic terrain that replaces traditional cages with expansive, open-air enclosures. The park is divided into four main zones: Asian, African, Australian, and the Insectarium. It is notable for its successful conservation programs, particularly for the Asian elephant, lion, and orangutan. Visitors navigate the steep topography using a dedicated shuttle bus system. The park was opened in 1958 as a branch of Ueno Zoo. It features one of the largest insectariums in Japan, which includes a butterfly house. Many enclosures utilize moats rather than bars to separate animals from visitors. The site preserves much of the natural forest, creating a habitat that mimics the wild. Animal demonstrations and feeding sessions are scheduled throughout the day to showcase natural behaviors.
The orangutan skywalk area, where animals move directly over the heads of visitors.
Prioritize the shuttle bus upon arrival to reach the top of the hill, then walk downhill to save energy.
Wear comfortable, high-traction walking shoes as the park is set on significantly steep, hilly terrain.
Check the daily event schedule at the entrance for feeding times, as these are the best opportunities to see active animals.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter without using the shuttle bus, as the elevation changes are intense.
Closed on Wednesdays (or the following day if Wednesday is a public holiday); also closes for year-end holidays.
Refrain from using camera flashes near animal enclosures and strictly follow all 'no feeding' rules to protect animal health.
