Winter is not the season most people would think of as a good time to visit the zoo, but it is actually one of the most eventful times of the year for many animals as they adapt to the colder temperatures. See for yourself this month as the Tokyo Zoological Park Society kicks off its Visit Hot Zoo 2014 campaign, where participants can win special souvenirs in addition to experiencing the wonders of wildlife.
Those who take part in the campaign, which is being held at Ueno Zoo, Tama Zoological Park, Inokashira Park Zoo and Tokyo Sea Life Park, can complete stamp rallies to win special commemorative goods, while photo contests of visitors' winter snaps of the animals will also take place.
One of the highlights at this time of the year is seeing Ueno Zoo's giant pandas, which, being from high-altitude natural habitats, are particularly active in cold climates. The restless wild horses at Tama, too, should be interesting to watch, and apt for 2014 — the Year of the Horse. Other creatures, such as deep-sea fish, which are also used to low temperatures, can be viewed at the Tokyo Sea Life Park in Kasai, while those curious to hear a fox cry, may find out through a visit to the Inokashira Park Zoo.
The Visit Hot Zoo 2014 campaign starts on Jan. 9 at Ueno Zoo, Tama Zoological Park, Inokashira Park Zoo and Tokyo Sea Life Park. The event runs till March 9. For more details on photo contests and stamp rallies, visit www.tokyo-zoo.net.