Community Art Project at SDGzoo: A Fun Experience with Purpose
On November 15 and 16, 2025, the Tennoji Zoo in Osaka hosted an exciting event named "SDGzoo," which aimed to educate the public about sustainable development goals (SDGs). This year, the collaboration between eWeLL and the lini e group made waves as about 1,600 participants, including families, gathered to contribute to a unique mosaic art project. This event not only encouraged creativity but also raised awareness about the importance of recycling and caring for our environment.
The centerpiece of the event was a large mosaic artwork inspired by beloved animals from the zoo, namely Hou-chan, the polar bear, and Gao-kun, the lion. The materials for this impressive piece were sourced from a variety of recycled items, including cleaned medical supplies from home care services, household waste, and even the remnants of a hand painting activity for children. This initiative creatively transformed materials that would otherwise go to waste into a symbol of art and collaboration.
The Community Comes Together
Initially, the organizers expected around 1,000 attendees, but the actual turnout far exceeded this, with 1,600 enthusiastic participants joining in the effort to craft the mosaic art. Families collaborated, cutting the recycled materials into strips and assembling them piece by piece to create approximately 800 flower-shaped components that formed the final artwork. Participants learned the significance of valuing resources and the message of inclusiveness that SDGs advocate: leaving no one behind.
EWeLL's mission to create a supportive environment in healthcare aligns perfectly with the goals of SDGzoo. By promoting awareness about home care services, eWeLL enhances the community's understanding of healthcare accessibility for everyone, from newborns to the elderly. Their electronic chart system, "iBow," helps ensure that home nursing services meet the needs of these diverse groups, supporting the core philosophy of the SDG initiative.
Learning Through Art
At the event, not only did participants engage in art-making, but they also enjoyed other activities such as a nursing experience corner, where they could learn about the medical field and the practices of home care professionals. An information booth showcased the contributions of eWeLL and the lini e group towards sustainable practices in healthcare. Participants got an up-close look at the reality of providing home care services, better understanding the tools and methods utilized by caregivers.
This experience played a key role in fostering a connection between the community and visiting nurses, enhancing public interest in understanding what home care entails, and promoting the importance of healthcare services in making a well-rounded community. The creativity demonstrated throughout the two days profoundly illustrated how collective efforts can lead to remarkable achievements.
A Lasting Contribution
The finished mosaic art piece, reflecting the hard work and collaboration of community members, was generously donated back to the Tennoji Zoo as a lasting reminder of the SDGzoo event and its message of sustainability. Participants were thrilled to see their contributions culminated into a beautiful piece of communal art.
What is SDGzoo?
SDGzoo is an engaging two-day event that shows participants the interconnectedness of life and the environment through fun activities centered around animals. With quizzes, workshops, live painting, and educational sessions, families can explore various aspects of sustainability and conservation while enjoying a day out at the zoo. This edition was particularly memorable because it was hosted in Osaka, the home city of eWeLL, featuring diverse programming that kept everyone involved.
Conclusion
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and social responsibility, events like the SDGzoo highlight the significance of community involvement in art and education. Through collaborative efforts, participants learned valuable lessons about caring for the environment and the communities in which they live. Projects like these showcase the potential for art to foster understanding and connection while serving a greater cause. Indeed, it was a fun-filled, impactful experience that left a positive imprint on everyone who took part.