Kobe Oji Zoo to Broadcast Support Program, Co-produced with J:COM, on the Web

　J:COM West (Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture), a cable television operator in the J:COM group, will begin broadcasting “Oji Zoo and Zoo TV,” a program jointly produced with Kobe Oji Zoo (Oji-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe City), on April 3.

Regular corner “Tintin of the Month” (image)

　Under the theme of “Minna de Ouen Oji Zoo,” this program conveys the efforts of the zoo together with 17 companies that are supporters of the program project, and provides continuous support for the zoo. In addition to supporting the recovery of the number of visitors who have declined due to the new coronal disaster, the program also aims to introduce the current state of the zoo, which is scheduled for renewal, and to record it on video for future reference.

　The program introduces “little-known ecology” and “behind-the-scenes information about the zoo that is not usually seen” in an effort to familiarize viewers with the zoo’s approximately 130 animal species, including the popular giant pandas and koalas. The program will also introduce the zoo’s new attractions, such as its efforts to protect rare animals and SDGs, by mixing commentary with treasured footage shot by the zookeepers.

　The theme song for the program is “Zutto Itssho,” the official theme song created by Watanabe Flower, a rock band officially recognized by Kobe City, to promote the park. The program will be broadcast on the community channel “J:COM Channel (terrestrial digital 11ch)” (Mondays from 10:00 to 10:23, Thursdays from 18:30 to 18:53, etc.) and will also be available on YouTube and the program website. The content will be updated once a month.

　In order to familiarize newcomers with the park, the first broadcast will introduce the park’s history and the entire park. As a special feature, a quiz will be given by the zookeepers on the ecology and personality of Marie, a baby giraffe and her offspring, and Chapman’s zebras, both of which were born last September.

　In the “Tintin of the Month” section, a regular monthly feature, the keeper introduces the recent situation of the giant panda “Tintin,” whose viewing is currently suspended, and his adorable appearance.

　Mr. Takatsugu Kuroda, Director of J:COM West’s Kobe Ashiya Bureau, says, “We hope to connect the zoo’s past, present, and future through community channels and online media, and to deliver a picture of the Oji Zoo that will make local residents want to support the zoo by expanding the zoo’s experience value.