SAPPORO, Mar 18 (News On Japan) - North Safari Sapporo, a private zoo in Minami Ward, Sapporo, which closed in September 2025 over unauthorized development, remains home to hundreds of animals as its operator disputes a planned removal order while emphasizing animal welfare concerns.
HBC cameras entered the site for the first time since its closure with permission from the operating company, revealing that animal calls still echo throughout the grounds and that a significant number of animals remain on site.
Reporter Yui Kitaoka said on March 12th, "Animal sounds can still be heard from time to time throughout the park," adding that five Arctic wolves are still being kept at the facility.
As Sapporo City proceeds with procedures toward issuing an order to remove illegal structures, the operating company has submitted a written statement arguing that such an order would be unlawful. The company’s president, who recently assumed the role, spoke publicly for the first time amid the controversy.
The president of Success Tourism said, "Rather than keeping them here, we want to move the animals to a new location, but that requires securing a new site."
The zoo once housed 640 animals as of December 2024, including species such as ring-tailed lemurs native to Madagascar, known for their fox-like faces and long striped tails. Through transfers to other facilities, the number has now been reduced to 224.
According to the Animal Welfare Management Center, which is monitoring conditions, there are currently no issues with how the animals are being kept.
The president acknowledged violations of the City Planning Act, stating, "Violating the law itself is wrong, and we take that seriously."
North Safari Sapporo had operated for around 20 years after constructing facilities without permission in a designated urbanization control area. The previous president resigned in March 2025, and the current president, formerly the zoo director, took over.
Of the 183 illegal structures that once stood on the site, nearly 80% have been removed over the past year, though 38 buildings still remain.
Addressing how the situation escalated, the president accepted responsibility but explained that the company believed it had obtained necessary approvals for individual facilities, including those related to animal care, dining, and lodging.
"We had the perception that if permits were issued, there wouldn’t be a problem," the president said.
The company argues that further demolition could negatively affect animals whose relocation destinations have not yet been finalized.
"If we reduce the buildings any further, there is a very high risk of impacting the animals. The current situation may be the best option for now," the president said, noting that many animals are elderly and that relocation itself poses stress, while anesthesia and long-distance transport can be dangerous, particularly for large predators.
Sapporo City has indicated a deadline of October this year for the removal of all structures and is moving toward issuing a formal removal order.
In response, Success Tourism submitted a written defense arguing that a forced administrative measure would be unlawful and unnecessary. The company is requesting that, if an order is issued, the deadline be extended to the end of November 2027.
"We understand that wrongdoing is wrongdoing, but we must prioritize the animals above all else. We hope the deadline will reflect that," the president said.
Meanwhile, a Tokyo-based investment firm is planning to take in the remaining animals and open a new zoo. The operator is currently working with the firm to secure land and has received financial support covering staff wages and feed costs.
"We want to safely relocate the animals to a new place with the support of partner companies. That is our top priority," the president added.
According to reports, animals including lions, dogs, and horses remain at the site, and staff numbers appear sufficient to maintain care, with scenes such as horses being walked observed during filming.
In its written defense, the operator emphasized that the zoo has already ceased operations and that there is no longer a risk of uncontrolled urban expansion. It also argued that demolition cannot proceed because relocation sites for the animals have not yet been secured.
The company further stated that issuing a removal order is unnecessary and unlawful, but if such an order is made, additional time will be required, particularly to move regulated species that require permits for transport.
Sapporo City, however, maintains that it has repeatedly issued both written and verbal guidance for nearly 20 years and that setting a removal deadline of the end of October is a reasonable decision.
A removal order under the City Planning Act carries significant penalties, including up to one year in prison or fines of up to 500,000 yen for non-compliance. The city is expected to issue the order as early as this month.
Source: HBCニュース 北海道放送
