Ueno Zoo Hosts "World Gorilla Day" Events
Oct 9, 2026 · Ueno
[Ueno] Ueno Zoo Hosts "World Gorilla Day" Events!
Ueno Zoo is holding events to mark World Gorilla Day on September 24.
Ueno Zoo is one of the Ueno area's best-known attractions. The events are designed as a day to learn about the current situation of wild gorillas and think about what we can do to protect them. Gorilla fans and regular zoo visitors won't want to miss them.
During the event period, a "Gorilla Observation Bingo" sheet will be handed out in front of Outdoor Enclosure 1 at the Gorilla House in the East Garden. Visitors can learn about gorillas in a fun way by watching their bodies and behavior and filling in the bingo squares. Some squares are hard to spot, so see how many you can find. No prizes are offered and no pencils are lent out, so bring your own writing tools. Sheets are available while supplies last.
On Saturday, September 26, volunteers will explain the bingo items. It's a rare chance to pick up tips on what to look for.
In addition, the six zoos in Japan that keep gorillas (Chiba Zoological Park, Hamamatsu Zoological Gardens, Kyoto City Zoo, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Japan Monkey Centre and Ueno Zoo) are working together to release a special video featuring their gorilla keepers, scheduled for Sunday, September 20. A poster created jointly by the six zoos is also planned to be displayed at the Gorilla House.
A collection box for used mobile phones and smartphones is also permanently installed in front of Outdoor Enclosure 1 at the Gorilla House. The devices are collected by a specialist company, and money based on the amount collected is donated to the certified NPO Terra Renaissance. The funds go toward projects such as its program supporting the social reintegration of former child soldiers in the Congo. Accepted items are mobile phones (including feature phones and PHS handsets), smartphones and tablets. Be sure to erase all personal data before dropping devices in the box. Accessories such as chargers, standalone batteries, Wi-Fi routers and swollen batteries are not accepted. Note that items cannot be returned once deposited.
If you'd like to enjoy an animal-themed event in Ueno, be sure to check it out.
Event Information
- Location: In front of and around Outdoor Enclosure 1, Gorilla House, East Garden, Ueno Zoo
- Gorilla Observation Bingo: Thursday, September 24 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 *While supplies last
- Volunteer talk: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 13:00–14:00 (near Outdoor Enclosure 1, Gorilla House)
- Special video release: Scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Used mobile phone and smartphone collection box: Permanently installed in front of Outdoor Enclosure 1, Gorilla House
- Other: A joint poster by the six zoos is planned to be displayed at the Gorilla House
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