Abandoned plants to find new life in zoo

OSAKA, Jan 09 (News On Japan) - A large number of planters left abandoned on a sidewalk in Namba, Osaka, have found a new purpose.

These 103 planters, placed without premission on the sidewalk east of JR Namba Station over a decade ago, were up to 3 meters tall and weighed an average of 70 kg each, obstructing the pedestrian path.

The Osaka city administration, responsible for managing the sidewalk, forcibly removed these planters last October and was considering their disposal when Tennoji Zoo stepped in.

Keita Nishimura, head of the Breeding and Display Division at Tennoji Zoo, said, "I saw the planters on the news and thought if they were Shirokashi (Japanese White Oak), I'd like to plant them in our zoo."

it turned out, about 80% of the plants were Shirokashi, which are easy to cultivate. They can be replanted in the zoo to enhance its green landscape and used as shade or hiding spots for animals.

Shirokashi is also a favorite of herbivorous animals! Pruned branches and leaves can be used as food for animals like black rhinos, goats, and giraffes.

The once nuisance planters are soon expected to be transferred to the zoo.

Source: MBS NEWS

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