Overview
- ZOOMO in Morioka launched guided observation on Jan. 10, letting visitors see two Japanese black bears in hibernation in a rare offering for Japan.
- The zoo says the first sessions were fully booked through Jan. 12, with interest surpassing previous years.
- Tours run on weekends and holidays through Feb. 15 with five groups per session, up to five people per group, and a ¥1,000 per-group fee in addition to admission.
- Staff keep voices low and use small viewing windows and red light to avoid waking the animals.
- Organizers present the program as education for coexistence as bear appearances near communities continue into the new year in parts of Japan.