The park features a specialized habitat for capybaras that includes an outdoor hot spring for the animals during cooler months.
It is home to a colony of wallabies that roam freely within a designated enclosure, allowing for close proximity observation.
The facility includes a unique display of squirrel monkeys that are known for their high activity levels and specialized social structures.
The onsite landscape architecture is designed to integrate the zoo directly into the broader coastal ecosystem of the Uminonakamichi peninsula.
Animal Forest operates under a 'coexistence' philosophy, prioritizing minimal barriers between guests and non-predatory species.
Animal Forest, located within the expansive Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, focuses on interactive experiences between humans and animals. The facility houses approximately 500 individual animals across 50 distinct species. Visitors can observe capybaras, kangaroos, and squirrel monkeys in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. The petting zoo section allows for direct contact with smaller animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits. It functions as an educational facility dedicated to promoting an appreciation for wildlife. The park landscape incorporates rolling hills and greenery typical of the Fukuoka peninsula. Many exhibits are open-air, relying on natural barriers rather than traditional cages. The park spans a significant portion of the narrow sandbar connecting Fukuoka city to the Shikanoshima island region.
The capybara enclosure area, particularly during the times when they are huddled together or resting by the water feature.
Wear comfortable, durable walking shoes as the park covers a large area requiring significant transit on foot.
Visit during animal feeding times to see the most active behaviors from the capybaras and kangaroos.
Check the weather before arrival, as many of the animal enclosures are fully outdoors and provide limited cover during heavy rain.
Attempting to touch the animals without sanitizing hands at the provided stations or ignoring the advice of zookeepers.
Closed on December 31st and January 1st; periodically closed on certain Mondays during winter months.
Do not feed animals outside of designated food dispensers; maintain quiet voices around sensitive species.
