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Enhancing Animal Comfort in Okazaki City Zoo

In a successful collaboration between Open House Group’s Nagoya branch, Aisin Corporation, and Inagaki Stoneworks, a remarkable initiative has been undertaken to improve the living conditions of animals at the Okazaki City Higashi Park Zoo in Japan. Recently, these three companies joined forces to provide "cooling stones" made from granite, an innovative solution designed to give zoo animals relief from the intense summer heat.

The increasing frequency of extreme heat has raised concerns over the welfare of animals housed in zoos. In response to this pressing issue, the project was initiated with the idea of creating a mat-like cooling solution to help animals stay comfortable during hot weather.

Aisin Corporation contributed to this endeavor by providing precision stone slabs that are typically disposed of as industrial waste. Responding to the needs of zookeepers at the Okazaki City Higashi Park Zoo, the three companies worked together to fabricate original tiles approximately 300mm square. This size was chosen to ensure versatility in placement throughout the animals' habitats, and the surface has been specially designed to prevent slipping, enhancing safety for animals like sheep, goats, and small monkeys.

Feedback from the Zookeepers

The zookeepers expressed their gratitude for this collaboration, stating, "Thank you for providing us with such wonderful contributions through this partnership of three companies. We are currently utilizing the stones for rabbits, squirrel monkeys, sheep, and goats. The 300mm tiles are easy to manage in terms of changing their positions or washing them, ensuring efficient upkeep. Additionally, the anti-slip feature is crucial for the safety of the animals. We look forward to testing these stones with various species!"

The Role of Aisin Corporation

Aisin Corporation has highlighted its commitment to promoting a circular economy through this project. By upcycling the used stone slabs into cooling stones, the company aims to contribute positively to the welfare of zoo animals while addressing environmental issues. Aisin's representative remarked, "We are delighted to collaborate with local companies to make effective use of resources, thereby addressing social challenges and enhancing sustainability. Our aim is to walk hand in hand with the community towards a future that fosters coexistence with nature."

Inagaki Stoneworks' Contribution

Inagaki Stoneworks, a long-established stone company, played a pivotal role in processing the granite slabs for the project. The company, established in 1927, expressed pride in being part of such a meaningful initiative that benefits the beloved animals of Okazaki City. A spokesperson stated, "We are thrilled to contribute to the comfort of the animals at Higashi Park Zoo, and as a local stone business, we aim to continue working towards a society that coexists harmoniously with nature."

About the Okazaki City Higashi Park Zoo

The zoo, located within a spacious park in Okazaki City, offers free admission and boasts a diverse range of animals, from large creatures like deer and llamas to smaller species such as meerkats and prairie dogs. The zoo is well-loved by visitors for interactive experiences, including petting areas for guinea pigs and Flemish giants, while also hosting numerous educational events.

For more information about Okazaki City Higashi Park Zoo, visit Okazaki Tourism. The zoo is located at 1-9 Oyamada, Kake, Okazaki City (Zip Code: 444-0011), and is open from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with closing at 4:30 PM.

About Open House Group

Open House Group transitioned into a pure holding company structure in January 2022, focusing on residential-related services with an emphasis on community engagement and environmental preservation. Since its establishment in 1997, Open House continues to expand its operations and adapt to modern demands across several regions. More information can be found on their websites: Open House Group and Open House.