Fukui's Nishiyama Park Zoo

Meet cute red pandas and some squirrel monkeys!

Takako Sakamoto Nov 26, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>This is one of the red pandas (also known as the 'lesser panda') this zoo is famous for. How cute!</p>

<p>Entrance of Nishiyama Park Zoo. Entrance is free!</p>

<p>"Although entrance is free, your donation is always welcome!" says the cute red panda.</p>

<p>New member of the zoo, a cute squirrel monkey!</p>

<p>The panda on the left is named Hikari ('light' in English), and the panda on the right is named Light ('hikari' in Japanese). OK, I'm totally confused... how can I distinguish them when both are named 'Light'?!</p>

<p>Never mind their names, they are just cute!</p>

<p>They were so active, running around inside the fence that it was a hard job to focus my camera. Stay still, cuties!</p>

<p>Hey, pretty little thing, look this way!</p>

<p>Squirrel monkeys also have names...how can I tell who's who?</p>

<p>Fluffy tail of a red panda! I really wanted to touch it!</p>

<p>I wish I could take him home with me!</p>

This park is famous for beautiful autumn leaves, gorgeous azaleas in May, and it also has a small zoo which is itself famous for two pretty red pandas loved by kids from Fukui and all over Japan. Since the red pandas of this zoo are so famous, I dropped by the zoo when I visited the park to see autumn leaves. When I saw the red pandas, I knew why kids love them so much. They are just ADORABLE! Such cute, round faces and fluffy fur...I almost climbed over the fence and held them! There are also cute squirrel monkeys that were recently added to the zoo's lovely collection of animals.. Since entry to this small zoo is free, don't forget to drop by when you visit Nishiyama Park in Fukui.

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...