Tokyo's Ueno Zoo is promoting the shoebill stork as its new star attraction after the facility became devoid of giant pandas for the first time in 15 years [1].
This shift in focus marks a significant transition for one of Japan's most visited zoos. For over a decade, giant pandas served as the primary draw for tourism and public engagement, and the zoo now seeks a new animal to maintain visitor interest.
Governor Yuriko Koike visited the zoo on Thursday to support the new promotional effort. During her visit, Koike observed the shoebill — a bird known for its prehistoric appearance and tendency to remain motionless for long periods — and said the animal was "creepy-cute" [1].
The absence of giant pandas follows the return of the animals to China due to old age and health issues [2, 3]. While sources differ on the specific pandas involved and the exact dates of their departure in 2024, reports indicate the animals were returned in either January or September of that year [2, 3].
Zoo officials are now leveraging the unique characteristics of the shoebill to attract crowds. The bird's stoic nature and striking profile are being highlighted to fill the void left by the pandas. The strategy aims to pivot the zoo's identity from panda-centric to a broader showcase of rare, and unusual wildlife [1].
Staff at Ueno Zoo said the shoebill represents a new era for the institution. By focusing on the "motionless bird," the zoo hopes to create a new cultural trend among visitors who enjoy the unconventional appeal of the species [1].
“"creepy-cute"”
The transition at Ueno Zoo reflects a broader challenge in zoological management: maintaining public engagement after the loss of a 'charismatic megafauna' species. By pivoting to the shoebill, the zoo is attempting to shift visitor psychology from the traditional cuteness of pandas to the 'kimo-kawaii' (creepy-cute) aesthetic, which has a strong following in Japanese pop culture.
