Asahiyama Zoo Opens to Visitors Following Employee''s Arrest for Burning Wife''s Body

Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido opened its doors to visitors today, May 1st, following the arrest of a 33-year-old employee, Tatsuya Suzuki, on suspicion of burning his wife''s body within the park grounds. According to reports from Kyodo News and NHK, Suzuki is suspected of transporting the body of his 33-year-old wife, Yui Suzuki, to the zoo and incinerating it in late March. The suspect admitted to the crime, stating he disposed of the body at night outside of operating hours. While the investigation continues, the area surrounding the zoo''s incinerator remains cordoned off. Despite the grim news, approximately 100 visitors queued at the entrance this morning, including families from Tokyo. Asahikawa Mayor Hirosuke Imazu stated that restoring public trust is the top priority and pledged to work with staff to maintain an enjoyable environment for visitors. Established in 1967, Asahiyama Zoo is Japan''s northernmost zoo and is world-renowned for its ''behavioral displays,'' such as penguin walks, which attracted 1.33 million visitors in fiscal year 2025.