North Safari Sapporo Closing Down: Memories and Reflections

North Safari Sapporo had been a fun and exciting zoo for almost 20 years. It was loved for its wild adventures and friendly animals. This zoo was also a popular travel destination for visitors visiting Sapporo. But sadly, it had to close at the end of September this year. Let’s find out what caused the unfortunate situation of this once well-loved spot!

What was it like visiting North Safari Sapporo?

North Safari Sapporo was in the green hills of Jozankei, an hour outside of Sapporo. It opened in 2005 as Hokkaido’s first hands-on petting zoo and quickly became famous. Visitors loved meeting more than 140 kinds of animals up close, from giraffes and lions to penguins and alpacas. The zoo welcomed guests of all ages who wanted a mix of fun and thrills.

The zoo had three main areas. The North Safari section allows visitors to feed and interact with friendly animals, including red pandas, flying squirrels, foxes, and reindeer. The Dangerous Forest was the most exciting part, where guests could view tigers, bears, and crocodiles up close and personal. A tiny bridge above the alligator pool offered visitors a brave view of the scary creatures.

North Safari Adventure offered seasonal activities that made every visit different. In summer, people could ride amphibious cars or try the DTV shredder. Winter fun included snowmobiles, husky sleds, and banana boats on the snow. Plus, special events like duck races and breakfast with giraffes added extra excitement for families.

Moreover, visitors could also enjoy meals with the animals. Hokkaido seafood and fresh vegetables were served in glamping cottages surrounded by wallabies, meerkats, and other cute animals.

Why did it have to close down?

The reason was not about the animals but about the buildings. Many of the zoo’s enclosures and attractions were built without official city permission, and the Sapporo government finally decided the zoo must be removed.

There were more than 100 buildings that the city said were not allowed. The company that ran the zoo, Success Tourism, promised to take everything down by 2029. The city asked them to share a safe plan to move the animals to new homes before starting the demolition. It was a big job since hundreds of animals still lived there when the gates closed.

According to several reports, the company said that donations were being used to help cover the cost of feeding and caring for the animals while preparing for their relocation. Additionally, there are reports that the company has purchased new land near Sapporo. Some sources suggest it may be used to create a better and safer park in the future. However, the details about construction plans or timing have not been officially confirmed.

How has the public reacted to this issue?

When the news spread that North Safari Sapporo was closing, many people felt sad and worried about the animals. Many visitors had lovely memories there and hoped that every creature would find a safe new home.

At the same time, others were upset about how the animals had been treated. Many online posts shared concern about things like guests staying overnight near the seal area, which might have caused the seals stress. Over 500 complaints were sent to the city government. Some groups started online petitions, requesting better care and urging the Ministry of the Environment to provide assistance to the animals.

Because so many people spoke up, Sapporo City decided to take more decisive action. Their goal was to ensure the animals’ safety and that the zoo ultimately complied with the city’s regulations regarding animal care and construction.

Could things have been handled more effectively?

Things could have been managed with more thought and care. The zoo was special to many families, and it would have been preferable if both the owners and the city had collaborated sooner to address the problems, rather than allowing them to persist for so long. That might have helped the animals and the visitors, too.

The city could have helped guide the zoo to follow the proper building rules step by step. If they had done that years ago, the zoo might still be open safely today. It’s always easier to solve minor problems early before they become too big to handle.

Moreover, the company could have also sought additional assistance from animal experts. Together, they could have created safer homes for every creature and found better ways to allow people to visit without causing stress to the animals.

Is the closure of North Safari Sapporo something worth thinking about?

The shutdown of North Safari Sapporo truly gives us something to reflect on. It reminds us of the importance of caring for both animals and the places they inhabit. Rules and safety might not sound exciting, but they are essential for protecting lives. When these things are not followed, even fun places like zoos can face sad endings.

Even though the zoo had to close, everyone learned something important! Caring for animals means more than just loving them; it also means building a safe and legal home where they can live happily for many years. This idea goes far beyond one zoo; it’s about how people everywhere share responsibility for the creatures around us. What is your opinion about this? Let me know in the comments!