A Trip to Ueno Zoo: A Memorable Yet Eye-Opening Experience

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve really liked animals. I used to spend hours watching the National Geographic Channel, completely enthralled by the beauty and brute strength of these creatures.

Strangely enough, I never had the chance to visit a zoo back in the Philippines. So, when I heard that Ueno Zoo had free admission on Greenery Day, I was excited. The animal I was most looking forward to seeing? The red panda.

First Impressions: A Crowded Adventure

As soon as we arrived, one thought crossed my mind: crowded. The place was packed, likely because of the holiday. But that didn’t dampen our excitement. If I remember correctly, I was still new to Japan at the time, and this was my first-ever trip with my fellow ALTs.

We wandered through the zoo, marveling at the animals—pandas, tigers, lions, and even a monkey with a red butt (I forgot what it was called). It was a fun and memorable experience.

An Unexpected Reflection

But then, I saw the polar bear. It was pacing back and forth, looking uncomfortable, and it made me pause.

I know that zoos take care of their animals, ensuring they are well-fed, nurtured, and safe. But seeing that polar bear made me wonder: Wouldn’t they be happier in their natural habitat?

That moment left me with mixed feelings. I won’t make any promises, but I think that may have been both my first and last time visiting a zoo. Maybe zoos just aren’t for me.

A Love for Wildlife and Nature

Despite this, my love for animals and wildlife hasn’t changed. If anything, this experience made me appreciate nature even more. I still want to connect with animals, but perhaps in a different way—one where they roam free, just as they were meant to.