Facility News

Ueno Zoo to Transfer Polar Bear "Icoro"

Oct 9, 2026 · Ueno

Ueno Zoo to Transfer Polar Bear "Icoro"

Overview

Ueno Zoo has announced that it will transfer its male polar bear "Icoro" to Tennoji Zoo (Osaka, Osaka Prefecture).

The transfer is part of the polar bear management plan of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA). Ueno Zoo works with other zoos and aquariums that keep polar bears to support breeding of this rare species.

The transfer is scheduled for around late October to mid-November 2026. Icoro will go through training to get used to a transport crate and will be moved in the crate. The transfer date will be set based on how the training goes, and details will be announced later.

Viewing

Icoro is scheduled to remain on display until the day before the transfer. However, the display schedule may change depending on the animal's condition, the crate training and other factors. Because Icoro is displayed in rotation with another polar bear, he may not be visible at certain times.

If you plan to visit Ueno Zoo to see Icoro, check the zoo's latest updates before you go.

After the Transfer

As of October 2, 2026, Ueno Zoo has 2 polar bears (1 male, 1 female). After Icoro leaves, it will have 1. Ueno Zoo says it hopes to bring in a male in the future.

As of August 31, 2026, 16 zoos and aquariums in Japan keep a total of 29 polar bears (11 male, 18 female).

Basic Information

Facility: Ueno Zoo
Area: Ueno
Details: Announcement of polar bear "Icoro" being transferred to Tennoji Zoo
Animal: Icoro (male, 17 years old)
Date of birth: December 9, 2008 (born at Sapporo Maruyama Zoo)
Destination: Tennoji Zoo (Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)
Scheduled transfer: Around late October to mid-November 2026 (date to be announced)
Display: Scheduled to continue until the day before the transfer (subject to change)