Saitama Children's Zoo Welcomes Two New Koalas in Celebration of 40th Anniversary of Koala Arrival

This year marks the 40th anniversary since koalas first arrived at the Saitama Children's Zoo and Natural Park.

To commemorate this milestone, after coordination with Queensland, Australia, it has been confirmed that two new koalas will join the park.

A commemorative ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 22, followed by the official public opening.

From August 22 to October 25—the 'Koala Day'—a series of special events and limited-edition merchandise sales will be held to celebrate the arrival of the new koalas.

We warmly invite visitors to come and meet the newest members of our koala family at the Saitama Children's Zoo and Natural Park!

New Koalas Arriving:

Arnold (male), Bubbles (female)

Commemorative Ceremony Details:

Date and Time:

August 22 (Saturday), Reiwa 8, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Location:

Forest Classroom and Koala House, Saitama Children's Zoo and Natural Park

Program:

Commemorative Ceremony: 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Koala Unveiling: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Attendees (planned):

Hosts:

Governor of Saitama Prefecture, Motohiro Ohno

Chairman of the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Saitama Park and Greenery Association, Tsutsumi Tadashi

Guests:

Queensland Government Representative in Japan

Speaker of the Saitama Prefectural Assembly, and others

※ The ceremony is for invited guests only.

Public Viewing Details:

Date and Time:

August 22 (Saturday), Reiwa 8, from 10:30 AM

Location:

Koala House, Saitama Children's Zoo and Natural Park

※ Entry to the Koala House will be restricted from 9:30 AM to approximately 10:30 AM due to the ceremony.

For Media:

Media registration will be available on-site. After registration, journalists may cover the ceremony and related events.

Flash photography is strictly prohibited in the Koala House.

Photography through glass is allowed. Interior exhibit photos will be provided by the park.

40th Anniversary Event Overview:

Dates:

August 22 (Saturday) to October 25 (Sunday), Reiwa 8

Location:

Saitama Children's Zoo and Natural Park

Main Activities:

August 22 (Saturday):

Special commemorative edition 'Koala March' snacks—first 500 visitors

August 22 to October 25:

Limited-edition 40th Anniversary Koala Sticker—first 200 visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

On August 22, October 24, and October 25: first 500 visitors

Sale of original koala merchandise

Australia Fair on October 24 (Saturday) and 25 (Sunday)

Meet-and-greet with 'San-chan the Koala' and 'March-kun'

Sale of Australian animal-themed goods

Aboriginal art experience

Didgeridoo (Aboriginal wind instrument) playing experience

Koala-themed quiz rally

Saitama Children's Zoo and Natural Park Visitor Information:

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry one hour before closing)

Closed: Every Monday (Open if Monday is a national holiday)

Admission Fees:

Adults (high school and above): ¥900 (Group: ¥720)

Children (elementary and junior high): ¥200 (Group: ¥160)

※ Free for preschool children and individuals with disability certificates

Address: 554 Iwadome, Higashimatsuyama City, Saitama Prefecture

Website: https://www.parks.or.jp/sczoo/

Inquiries:

For the Commemorative Ceremony:

Park Stadium Division

Phone: 048-830-5393 (Direct)

For Public Viewing and 40th Anniversary Events:

Saitama Children's Zoo and Natural Park

Phone: 0493-35-1234 (Main)