Gunma Safari Park in Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture has welcomed a new male giraffe named Suzumaru, transferred on June 29, 2026, from Saitama Children's Animal Nature Park in Higashi-Matsuyama, Saitama Prefecture.
About Suzumaru
- Species: Giraffe (Giraffa)
- Name: Suzumaru (male)
- Date of Birth: May 16, 2025 (age 1)
- Transfer Date: June 29, 2026
- From: Saitama Children's Animal Nature Park (Higashi-Matsuyama, Saitama Prefecture)
With Suzumaru's arrival, the park is now home to two male giraffes — Suzumaru and the long-time resident Natsugoro (age 12). Giraffes are the tallest land animals, with adult males reaching up to 5 meters in height. At Gunma Safari Park's safari zone, giraffes are among the first animals visitors encounter, often bringing their faces right up to the windows of passing cars and tour buses — one of the park's most iconic moments.
Public Display Schedule
Suzumaru is currently in the animal enclosure, where keepers are monitoring his health and how he adjusts to the new environment. A public display date will be announced on the park's official website and social media once his condition has been evaluated.
About Gunma Safari Park
Gunma Safari Park has operated since 1979 in a lush natural setting adjacent to the Tomioka Silk Mill and Silk Industry Heritage Sites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture. The park is home to approximately 100 species and around 1,000 animals in a free-roaming safari format.
Visitors can drive through the safari zone in their own vehicles or aboard a park tour bus, passing through the animals' habitat for an immersive experience on a scale that ranks among Japan's largest. The park also features walking safaris, a petting park, and the Wonder Animal Forest, and is well suited for family visits.
