The Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Tobe Zoo in Ehime Prefecture on May 17 [1] to meet a polar bear named Peace.
The visit highlights the imperial couple's interest in wildlife conservation and the success of specialized animal care in Japan. Peace is a significant figure in the zoological community as a polar bear successfully raised through artificial rearing [3].
During the visit, the Empress expressed her long-standing desire to meet the animal. "Meeting Peace was my dream," the Empress said [1]. The imperial couple took commemorative photographs with the bear, who is 26 years old [3].
According to aides from the Imperial Household Agency, the couple's interest began after watching a television program. The broadcast featured Peace and the family of the zookeeper, Atsuhiro Takaichi [3]. The aides said the Emperor and Empress had wanted to meet the bear since viewing that program [2].
The visit to the prefectural zoo provided an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the staff involved in the bear's lifelong care. Peace remains one of the most famous polar bears in the country due to the rare nature of his early upbringing [3].
“"Meeting Peace was my dream,"”
The imperial couple's public engagement with Tobe Zoo serves to amplify national awareness of wildlife preservation and the scientific achievements of artificial rearing. By referencing a television program as the catalyst for the visit, the monarchy connects its public duties with mainstream media and the lived experiences of zoo staff.
