Guest guest Posted March 31, 2002 Report Share Posted March 31, 2002 http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nn20020331a8.htm Ueno zoo celebrates 120th birthday Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens held its 120th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, with Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko and Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara in attendance. Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara delviers a sppech at proceedings held for the zoo's anniversary. Prince Akishino said in a speech that the zoo " has given the people dreams through wars and other difficult periods. " " Today, many animals face extinction and the preservation of animal species is increasingly important, " he said, adding that Ueno zoo will contribute to this cause. Ueno zoo, the nation's oldest zoological park, opened in Ueno Park in 1882. It is home to more than 2,200 animals from some 430 species. About 3 million people visit the zoo every year, less than half its peak in the early 1970s when the zoo experienced a so-called " panda boom, " thanks to a pair of giant pandas sent by China as gifts to mark the normalization of diplomatic relations. With the diversification of recreational facilities in Tokyo and other parts of Japan, the zoo, in the capital's Taito Ward, now sees its role as helping to teach young people about conservation. Prince Akishino, the youngest son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, heads the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Japan Times: March 31, 2002 © All rights reserved Greetings - send holiday greetings for Easter, Passover http://greetings./ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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