Chiba City Zoological Park, Animal Science Museum - Forest of Life, Tropical Rainforest, Wonder of Rainforest -

The Animal Science Museum, located within Chiba City Zoological Park, has undergone a complete renovation of its displays area, taking into consideration that it is nearly 40 years old. It is a "zoological museum" themed around the "tropical rainforest," a treasure trove of life, aiming to provide insights into ecosystems, foster learning, and encourage action for the future.
While observing gorillas, birds, nocturnal animals, and other plants and animals that inhabit the rainforest up close, displays before and after convey the interconnectedness of life and the preciousness of the Earth's environment.

As the only large indoor facility within the park, the Animal Science Museum houses a concentration of functions such as lecture rooms, nursing rooms, multi-purpose restrooms, a first-aid room, and a general information desk. Therefore, this facility needed to serve as a hub for a variety of users.
In recent years, zoos overseas have increasingly focused on conservation and protection from the perspectives of animal welfare and nature education, positioning zoos as places for social education. The strong desire of the zoos to serve not just as places for recreation, but as places responsible for the conservation of wild animals, to pass on animal lives to future generations, and to connect people with nature, is reflected in displays messages.

The entrance space is designed to accommodate a variety of users, with a lounge and educational displays coexisting. A symbolic tree, approximately 12 meters tall and utilizing the existing architecture, welcomes visitors. The plant dioramas, modeled after those found on Borneo Island, are of museum-quality and have been transformed to stimulate the intellectual curiosity of both adults and children.
In order to foster a better relationship between the natural environment and human society, we aim for local zoos to become a driving force, providing a space where citizens can think for themselves and serving as a touchpoint for addressing social issues.