Animal Care Day (Shiiku no Hi)

What Is Animal Care Day?

Every year on April 19th, Japan observes "Animal Care Day" (Shiiku no Hi), established by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) in 2009. The date comes from the wordplay "shi (4) - i (1) - ku (9)," which sounds like "shiiku," meaning "animal care/husbandry." The day aims to introduce the many kinds of work done by keepers and other staff at zoos and aquariums, deepen understanding of that work, and raise interest in these facilities. Zoos and aquariums around Japan sometimes hold events introducing their keepers' work on this day.

The Role of Zoos and Aquariums

Modern zoos and aquariums have expanded from simple display spaces into places that protect living creatures and share knowledge about them. Their main roles are generally described as species conservation, education, research, and recreation.

• Species conservation: Breeding species that are declining in the wild to pass them on to the future. In Japan, the wild populations of the crested ibis and the Oriental white stork once disappeared from the country, but efforts to return them to the wild continue after captive breeding of birds brought from overseas.
• Environmental enrichment: Efforts to design enclosures and activities that let animals behave more naturally. Giving animals toys or changing where food is hidden helps make their daily lives richer.

How Animal Care Day Began

Animal Care Day is said to have been proposed by Tama Zoological Park, operated by the Tokyo Zoological Park Society. JAZA later established it as a commemorative day, and in 2020 it was also certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. An idea from one zoo grew into a day for zoos and aquariums across the country.

Fascinating Facts About Animal Care

• The keeper's "eye for detail": Professional keepers observe animals every day so as not to miss subtle changes in appetite or gait. Because wild animals tend not to show weakness, daily observation is very important.
• Husbandry training: Training animals to cooperate voluntarily during health checks or blood draws. It is spreading as a way to manage animals' health while reducing their burden.
• Japan's first zoo: Ueno Zoo (today's Ueno Zoological Gardens), opened in 1882, was Japan's first zoo.
• Managing aquarium water: Keeping the environment of large tanks stable requires constant management of water temperature and quality. The work of maintaining water systems behind the scenes is also an important part of animal care.
• The "studbook" — a baton of life: By keeping family trees (studbooks) for individual animals, zoos avoid inbreeding and ensure healthy offspring. Facilities in Japan and abroad cooperate to breed animals in a planned way.

Tips for Spending Animal Care Day

• Visit a nearby zoo or aquarium. Pay attention not just to the animals on display, but to the keepers at work and any displayed information about their care — a glimpse into the professional work that supports life
• If you have a pet, make it a new toy or spend a little extra time brushing it, taking just a bit more care than usual
• Look at a book introducing zookeepers' work, or the social media accounts of zoos and aquariums. Knowing the behind-the-scenes efforts will change how you see your next visit
• Watch a documentary or read a book about wildlife. Learn about the situation of wild animals and the people working to protect them, and think about what you can do

A Gentle Gaze Toward Life Weaves Bonds Across Species

April 19th is a day to turn our attention to the people who support animals' lives every day. Animal care is a steady accumulation of close observation and creating an environment where each animal can live in its own way. If you're in a position to guide or support someone in a new environment, try recalling the patient, warm gaze a keeper gives an animal.