Introduction:
Located in the scenic Ito city, on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, is a unique destination that offers a remarkable blend of nature and wildlife – the Izu Shaboten Zoo. This zoo is not your typical animal park. Beyond the traditional zoological experience, it features an impressive collection of cacti and succulents, a fascinating botanical wonder that gives the zoo its name, ‘Shaboten,’ meaning ‘cactus’ in Japanese.
Discovering the Wonders of Izu Shaboten Zoo’s Cactus Collection
Izu Shaboten Zoo is home to over 1,500 species of cacti and succulents, making it one of the largest collections in the world. As you wander through the outdoor gardens and climate-controlled greenhouses, you’ll see an impressive range of shapes, sizes, and colors—from towering saguaros to tiny barrel cacti, and brightly-colored blooming varieties. Each species has been carefully curated and is labeled with informative plaques making it an educational journey as well.
The cactus collection doesn’t just impress with its quantity; the age of some of these plants is equally astonishing. Some cacti in the zoo are over 200 years old, telling a story of endurance and survival in harsh conditions. The diversity and age of the cacti at Izu Shaboten Zoo offer a unique experience, turning a simple walk into a voyage of botanical discovery.
Additionally, the zoo also boasts a sizable collection of other desert and tropical plants. This includes rare species of agave, yucca, and aloe. The colorful abundance is a must-see for plant lovers and those interested in botany.
Embrace the Adventure: Meeting Free-Roaming Animals at Izu Shaboten Zoo
Beyond the botanical wonders, Izu Shaboten Zoo is also renowned for its wildlife. The zoo is home to various animals, including monkeys, flamingos, kangaroos, and capybaras, the world’s largest rodent. But what sets the zoo apart from others is its free-roaming animal encounters.
Here, instead of watching the animals from afar, visitors can interact directly with capybaras, squirrel monkeys, and kangaroos that freely roam around certain parts of the zoo. Imagine feeding a kangaroo or having a capybara curiously approaching you as you enjoy a peaceful picnic. This intimate contact with wildlife provides for an immersive experience like no other.
The zoo’s most popular attraction, however, is the ‘Capybara Hot Spring.’ During winter, visitors can witness the delightful sight of capybaras soaking in an open-air hot spring, a unique spectacle that has gained international recognition.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a nature lover, a plant enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique adventure, Izu Shaboten Zoo is a destination that offers an unforgettable experience. The combination of botanical wonders with the opportunity to interact with free-roaming animals creates a magical mix of nature and wildlife that is rare to find. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the charm of this one-of-a-kind zoo and create memories that will last a lifetime.
