The Distinction of Research in the Zoo －in the Case of Sapporo Maruyama Zoo－

Abstract

The research is one of the most important roles for zoo, however, the budget, staffs and instruments for research are not enough. So collaboration with other research institutes is effective. In this article, I introduce the distinction of research in Sapporo Maruyama Zoo and discuss about the research system of zoo. Sperm collection from endangered species is one of the research themes of our zoo. Collaborating with Hokkaido University, I succeeded in collecting the sperm of the snow leopard, polar bear and spotted hyena with urethral catheterization, which is a new method of sperm collection. I also tried artificial insemination in the Amur tiger applying the new method. This study is important for conservation of wildlife and will be progressed effectively with the cooperation of the university. Investigation of wild bats in Sapporo city is another research theme of our zoo. This research is conducted with the team of wildlife researchers, and ordinary people can join the research activities. This research contributes to not only revelation of the ecology of wild bats but also the environmental education for citizens of Sapporo. These researches related to the conservation and education proceeded with some collaborators are ideal styles of the research of zoo. It is thought that such characteristic research contributes to increasing the value of zoo.