The park was established through a public-private partnership after the original municipal zoo closed.
It is built on a site that preserves the local forest environment, rather than clearing it for standard zoo architecture.
The facility functions as a rescue and rehabilitation center for injured local wildlife found in Fukuoka Prefecture.
It utilizes a 'free-range' philosophy to reduce animal stress, often resulting in more natural social behaviors.
The park maintains a specialized library focusing on environmental education and zoology for public use.
Itôzu no mori Park is a municipal zoo in Kitakyushu that emphasizes naturalistic enclosures and educational animal interaction. The park operates under the concept of a 'co-existence' facility where animal welfare and habitat replication are prioritized over traditional cage displays. Visitors can participate in scheduled animal feeding sessions and grooming demonstrations. The zoo houses a variety of species, including elephants, lions, and giraffes, situated within a hilly, forested landscape. It serves as an active research and conservation site for local wildlife. The facility replaced the former Kitakyushu City Zoo in 2002 to provide a more immersive experience for visitors and better environments for the residents. Signage and interactive exhibits focus heavily on the biology and natural behaviors of the animals. Pathways are designed to navigate the uneven terrain of the surrounding forest area.
The raised viewing deck overlooking the African savanna enclosure.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park is built on a hilly, forested slope with significant inclines.
Check the daily event board at the entrance upon arrival to coordinate your visit with feeding times.
Bring insect repellent during the warmer months as the forested location attracts mosquitoes.
Attempting to rush through the park; the hilly topography makes it difficult to backtrack quickly.
Closed on Tuesdays; if a national holiday falls on a Tuesday, the park remains open and closes the following Wednesday.
Do not feed animals anything other than provided food; keep voices low near animal sleeping areas.
