Asahiyama Zoo reopening under review after staff linked to alleged body abandonment
Asahiyama Zoo’s planned reopening faces reconsideration after a male employee has been questioned in connection with an alleged body abandonment at the park, prompting police searches and a city deadline for a decision.
A decision on whether Asahiyama Zoo will open as scheduled has been delayed after a male staff member was voluntarily questioned by police over an alleged abandonment of his wife’s body on zoo grounds. City officials said the matter could affect the planned reopening for the start of Golden Week, and they will announce a policy decision by April 28, 2026. The police search has concentrated on an incinerator in the zoo’s back-of-house area, and authorities are cooperating while weighing operational and safety concerns.
City to announce reopening decision by April 28
City officials in Asahikawa told reporters on the morning of April 27 that they will make a public announcement of their conclusion or policy at the latest by April 28. The statement came as municipal leaders conducted internal reviews of security, staffing and visitor safety in the wake of the ongoing police activity.
The zoo had been scheduled to reopen on April 29, the first day of the Golden Week holiday period, after a routine closure from April 8 to 28 for maintenance work such as removing winter coverings and repainting. Officials said that timing and public confidence are central to the deliberations over whether to proceed with reopening as planned.
Police focus on incinerator area during on-site search
Hokkaido police have been searching the area around an incinerator in the zoo’s service yard after investigators learned that a man in his 30s, a zoo employee, had made statements suggesting he left his wife’s body there. The employee has been questioned voluntarily, and police carried out targeted searches near the incinerator last week as part of a death-abandonment inquiry.
Because the incinerator is located in a non-public backstage zone, authorities initially limited the search to that area. However, city officials acknowledged that if the investigation requires searches of spaces that are visible to visitors or necessary exhibits, reopening would become difficult until police work is complete and the scene is cleared.
Officials stress full cooperation and staff welfare measures
Asari Go, head of the city’s Economic Department, said the municipality’s highest priority is “full cooperation with the investigation.” He added that the city must also consider multiple consequences of the incident, including whether the management structure can be reinforced and how to provide mental health support for employees affected by the case.
Officials are evaluating whether existing supervision and reporting systems at the zoo require immediate changes, and they are discussing steps to support personnel well-being. The city indicated it will factor both the legal process and workplace care into its final decision about opening the facility to the public.
Public reaction has been largely supportive, municipality says
City officials reported that a substantial portion of messages from residents since the reports emerged have not been hostile criticism but expressions of support for zoo staff. Those responses, they said, have been a source of encouragement for employees who are continuing daily care for the animals while the facility remains closed to visitors.
Staff at the zoo are maintaining feeding, cleaning and veterinary routines to preserve animal health and readiness for public viewing. Officials emphasized that animal welfare has not been compromised and that zookeepers are working to ensure animals remain in good condition should visitors be admitted in the near term.
Operational impact and potential disruption to visitor areas
Municipal representatives cautioned that the scale and direction of police work will determine how much of the site can be safely and confidently opened. If investigative needs extend into areas routinely seen by guests or into exhibit spaces, the city said it would be impractical to open the park until those activities conclude and necessary inspections are completed.
Beyond immediate policing concerns, the city is assessing whether additional security protocols or structural changes are required before reopening. Officials are also weighing reputational effects and visitor comfort as part of the broader evaluation.
Asahiyama Zoo’s role and visitor figures in recent years
Asahiyama Zoo, operated by Asahikawa City, opened in 1967 and gained nationwide recognition for “behavioral exhibits” that showcase animals’ natural movements and instincts. The park has been a major regional attraction and drew approximately 1.33 million visitors in fiscal 2025, underscoring its importance to local tourism and the city’s economy.
Any extended postponement through Golden Week or beyond could have economic implications for businesses that rely on tourist traffic during the holiday period. City leaders said they are conscious of those impacts but asserted that legal and safety imperatives must guide their choice.
City officials reiterated they expect to announce their decision regarding a revised opening plan no later than April 28, 2026, and they said they will continue to coordinate closely with police and zoo management while prioritizing both the integrity of the investigation and the welfare of animals and staff.
