Turning Leftover Buffet Fruits into Animal Treats: A Continuous Effort to Reduce Food Waste

Yokohama Grand InterContinental Hotel (1-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) will continue to participate in an initiative to use leftover fruits and bread from its buffet as special treats for animals at Yokohama Zoological Gardens Zooria. This initiative will take place every third Sunday from June 21, 2026, to February 21, 2027.

This initiative, which began in August 2025 with collaboration between a hotel, a transportation company, and a zoo in the city, aims to show visitors to the zoo how animals eat the food provided to them, thereby raising awareness about the importance of food and food waste.

The hotel has been participating in this initiative since this year. In March, April, and May, the initiative received a lot of feedback from both inside and outside the hotel.

As we enter the second year of this initiative, the systems for providing, receiving, and transporting the food have been established. Starting this June, the target animals will be expanded from Indian elephants to include chimpanzees, making it a continuous monthly initiative rather than a one-time event.

The hotel will provide oranges, grapefruits, grapes, and other fruits that were not consumed during business hours at the buffet dining "Ocean Terrace" in a fresh state through a transportation company to the zoo.

Through this initiative, we hope to promote the recycling of resources and provide many people, including zoo visitors, with opportunities to think about the importance of food and the reduction of food waste.

Initiative Overview
■ Recipient: Yokohama Zoological Gardens Zooria
■ Venue: Chimpanzee Exhibition Area, Yokohama Zoological Gardens Zooria
■ Date and Time: June 21, 2026 (Sun), July 19, 2026 (Sun), 2:15 PM during "Keeper's Special Time"
*Note: The event may be canceled or changed due to animal health management and other reasons.
In the future, similar initiatives will be continuously implemented for Indian elephants or chimpanzees on the following dates:
September 20, 2026 (Sun), October 18, 2026 (Sun), November 15, 2026 (Sun), December 20, 2026 (Sun), January 17, 2027 (Sun), February 21, 2027 (Sun)
■ Provided Food: Oranges, grapefruits, grapes, etc.
■ Amount Provided by the Hotel: Approximately 1 kg per day (planned)

Yokohama Zoological Gardens Zooria Overview
■ Location: 1175-1 Kamishiroyama, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
■ Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Admission until 4:00 PM)
*Note: On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in August, the hours are 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Admission until 7:00 PM)
■ Closed: Every Tuesday (Open on holidays and closed the next day), December 29 - January 1
■ Admission Fee: Adults 800 yen, Junior High and High School Students 300 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 200 yen, Free for Children Under Elementary School Age
Every Saturday, junior high and high school students are free (student ID required)
■ URL: https://www.hama-midorinokyokai.or.jp/zoo/zoorasia/

Buffet Dining "Ocean Terrace" (1st Floor of the Hotel)
With a view of Yokohama Port and an open kitchen, the interior of the restaurant is refined yet lively. Enjoy the sounds and aromas of the cooking with all five senses while savoring a variety of dishes unique to InterContinental Hotels from breakfast to dinner.
https://www.icyokohama-grand.com/restaurant/ocean_terrace/

About Yokohama Grand InterContinental Hotel:
Famous for its exterior resembling the sails of a yacht, Yokohama Grand InterContinental Hotel is a representative hotel of Yokohama. The 31-story building features 594 guest rooms, 8 restaurants & bars, and 15 banquet rooms of various sizes. The hotel offers views of the sea from almost every corner. Known for its hospitality, the hotel has received high praise since its opening in August 1991 for its response to international events such as APEC and TICAD and for hosting numerous distinguished guests from around the world. https://www.icyokohama-grand.com

About InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts:
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the world's first and largest luxury hotel brand, with 242 properties and 77,027 rooms in over 70 countries. Founded in 1946 by Juan Trippe, the founder of Pan American Airways, InterContinental believes that travel broadens people's horizons and connects cultures. As a brand that "opens the door to an enchanting world," InterContinental offers new travel experiences suitable for modern luxury travelers. While valuing freedom and comfort, InterContinental delivers culturally enriching experiences that satisfy the heart, continuing the brand's tradition of approachable luxury.

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