Lions, tigers and bears...and hippos, elephants and giraffes oh my! The Okinawa Zoo's Nature Land is anchored by a wide assortment of mammals from dozens of species. Zoo mainstays like lions and giraffes can be found as well as various other marsupials, canines, felines and swine. The elephants are perhaps the most popular as they kick soccer balls, slam dunk basketballs, and spray water at suspecting and unsuspecting guests alike. Okinawa Zoo and Museum in Okinawa City is the southernmost zoo in Japan.
- 1 min read
The Mammals of The Okinawa Zoo
Humongous to Tiny; Ferocious to Docile

Community writer

A small herd of Taiwan deer live at the Okinawa Zoo's Nature Land

A hopping ground for a mob of Kangaroo

Two hippopotamus feed in their pen at the Okinawa Zoo's Nature Land

Asian elephants from India are the largest animals at the Okinawa Zoo

The Kutinoshima cattle is a cow native to Japan

Giraffes are the tallest animals at the Okinawa Zoo and are called kirin in Japanese

Is it a racoon or a dog? It's a racoon dog native to east Aasia and Japan

The Okinawa Zoo's Nature Land features a pair of loud lions that can be heard long before seen
Join the discussion
Olga
10 years ago
I like that zoo already! Is it on the main island?
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
INDEN-YA: An Over 400-year-old Crafts Business
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
2
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
3
Korean Air Launches New Route to Kobe
Hyogo -
4
Only in Japan: Vending Machines That Go Way Beyond Drinks
Culture -
5
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
6
Cherry Blossoms and Tuna Gourmet in Nachikatsuura
Wakayama - Sponsored -
7
Kamenoi Hotel Nikko Yunishigawa: An All-Inclusive Resort
Tochigi - Sponsored -
8
Bills Unveils New Spring/Summer Menu
Food -
9
Create Your Own Adventure in Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture
Ehime - Sponsored -
10
Takaharu: Where Legends, Culture, and Nature Coexist
Miyazaki - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
9
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa