Split into seven distinct zones, the Chiba Zoological Park is an all-encompassing animal park with large habitats. Its enclosures hold a great range of furry creatures. During feeding times you can get closer to them. Chat with the friendly zookeepers to learn more about the animals and their environments.
Start in the Zoological Hall area near the main entrance and pick up a brochure and map of the zoo from the information desk. Plan your afternoon around the feeding times and schedules in the various zones. In this area, you’ll find colorful tropical birds and nocturnal animals. Let your children get closer to the cute and slow-acting sloths.
Bring your kids through the petting zoo, where they can nuzzle the goats and sheep. Pet the majestic white horses and study the world’s largest type of rodent, the capybara. One of the highlights is feeding time for the penguins from South America. Inspect the Day in the Life of a Zookeeper exhibit to find out more about their responsibilities and care.
For the larger side of life, go to the Steppe Zone. Gaze up at the enormous elephants and giraffes, before looking for zebras, ostriches and meerkats. Continue to the Small Animals Zone and marvel at the playful red pandas. You’ll spot beavers and otters in glass enclosures. Pass through the Monkey Zone, the Avian and Aquatic Zone and the Ancestors of Domestic Animals Zone.
The zoo opens Thursday to Tuesday from morning until late afternoon. Purchase tickets and get discounts for your kids. Toddlers enter for free.
The Chiba Zoological Park is a little inland, in the northern part of Chiba. Drive north from the city center for about 20 minutes and pay the fee to leave your car in the parking lot. You can also take the Chiba Monorail line to the Dobutsukoen Station on the southern boundaries of the park. Visit some of the nearby sights, such as the Chiba Central Sports Center, Art Golf Anagawa and Chiba Park.
