NIFREL

zoogeekmaelstrom

Well-Known Member
Hello ZooChatters, this will be the first dedicated thread to NIFREL, highlighting its animal births, losses, new animals, exhibit changes etc. NIFREL was probably one of the zoos that kicked off my love for animals and zoos in general. In one room, you could see animals from coral reefs, then in another, white tigers, pygmy hippos and saltwater crocodiles and to finish, an entire walkthrough exhibit featuring lemurs, wallabies, capybaras, penguins and otters. Every single exhibit was a surprise, and it's what made my first time to Osaka amazing. I was 8 years old at the time and there was so much to see. However, when I came back to NIFREL in 2019 and in 2023, I soon realized that a lot has changed for the place. It still had charm to it, but with glaring problems that I didn't realize when I was 8 like the white tiger's enclosure being too small and the lack of proper educational material, made me realize it wasn't as great as I imagined it back in 2017. Although animals like zebra shark, great white pelican and toco toucan, NIFREL still thrives with its educational message of connecting with nature and its pygmy hippo births.
 
Thanks for your comments @zoogeekmaelstrom!

I would hope that this thread will be made official as NIFREL has frequent animal changes and an interesting animal collection to boot, so deserving a thread of its own in the Japan zoos section!

Hopefully more updates will appear in due course on animal events, new exhibits and other projects that make this small collection a nice place to visit.

SOURCE: Interactive Aquazoo, NIFREL Floor guide


POV: I do hope they make a change from white tiger (color mutant hybrid generic tiger) to either Sumatran or Malayan tigers. Full stop!
 
@zoogeekmaelstrom and @PossumRoach, can you elaborate upon the issues at fault the NIFREL - Osaka facility has in terms of the species they exhibit. I know you already mentioned the white tigers (which I find out of place in a science museum, public aquarium or accredited zoo. I cannot be the judge over the remark that fishing cat might be more fitting for the small exhibit.

What main problems does the science facility have with animal exclosures and exhbition at NIFREL? Why does the place have no outdoor exhibits for animals?
 
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@zoogeekmaelstrom and @PossumRoach, can you elaborate upon the issues at fault the NIFREL - Osaka facility has in terms of the species they exhibit. I know you already mentioned the white tigers (which I find out of place in a science museum, public aquarium or accredited zoo. I cannot be the judge over the remark that fishing cat might be more fitting for the small exhibit.

What main problems does the science facility have with animal exclosures and exhbition at NIFREL? Why does the place have no outdoor exhibits for animals?
The tiger exhibit is basically concrete blocks with some mock grass I believe, with a giant pool from what I remember. The enclosure has opportunities for climbing and swimming, but that’s about it. The reason why I think fishing cat goes well with the enclosure is because of the aforementioned giant pool. Plus, the size of the enclosure makes me feel like it should be for a medium sized cat, and not a big cat. Also, the reason why there are no outdoor exhibits is because it’s a giant building connected with a Ferris wheel and some sort of adventure jungle gym. NIFREL is connected with this entertainment complex called EXPOCITY, and there are quite a number of fun things to do there.
 
And hippopotamus, and maybe most of the other animals they have right now.
I think its just pygmy hippos, but still same point stands.

@zoogeekmaelstrom and @PossumRoach, can you elaborate upon the issues at fault the NIFREL - Osaka facility has in terms of the species they exhibit. I know you already mentioned the white tigers (which I find out of place in a science museum, public aquarium or accredited zoo. I cannot be the judge over the remark that fishing cat might be more fitting for the small exhibit.

What main problems does the science facility have with animal exclosures and exhbition at NIFREL? Why does the place have no outdoor exhibits for animals?
Think of it more like a modern art gallery with animals inside. That's how the place looks from what i've seen.
 
This place looks pretty interesting although the large mammals should not be there. Would love to see a species list
 
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