How Open House Group's Event Engages Children with Animal Learning Through Unique Stamp Rallies

The Rise of the Animal Master: A Unique Learning Experience

On November 29, 2025, Open House Group's Nagoya branch hosted a community engagement event titled "Aim for The Animal Master - Create Your Own Animal Encyclopedia" at the Okazaki City Higashi Park Zoo. This initiative aimed to impart the zoo's charm to local children and was a collaborative effort between Open House Nagoya and the Animal Science students from the University of Human Environment.

Through extensive research on animals conducted by the students, an engaging and approachable original stamp rally logbook was developed, filled with fascinating tidbits about animals. Participants had the opportunity to visit five designated stamp points within the zoo while gathering interesting facts along the way as they worked on completing their personal logbooks.

On the day of the event, students actively interacted with guests at the booths, sharing their passion for animals and explaining the significance of each entry in the logbook. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the students' enthusiasm in conveying their love for animals through gestures and enthusiasm. After collecting all stamps, children received a special emblematic button badge titled "Animal Master," which they proudly wore as a badge of accomplishment while moving around the zoo.

Open House Nagoya plans to continue engaging closely with the community, enhancing interactions and contributions to the vibrancy of the city.

Event Details

- Date & Time: November 29, 2025, from 9 AM to 4 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Location: Okazaki City Higashi Park Zoo, 1 Oyamada, Keshicho, Okazaki
- Highlights: The first 100 attendees received a stamp rally booklet, with special badge giveaways.

Message from the University of Human Environment

The event marked our Animal Science Club's first collaboration with a corporate partner, requiring considerable effort in planning and execution. Our goal was to ensure that visitors to Higashi Park Zoo could deeply engage with and understand more about the animals. Under the guidance of keepers who shared valuable insights, we came together as a team to craft a memorable experience. On the day of the event, many visitors expressed warmth saying, “I had fun!” or “I feel like I understand animals a bit better now.” These affirmations are powerful testaments to the success of the event and reaffirm the purpose behind its organization. Going forward, we aim to enhance our activities further.

About the University of Human Environment

The Field Ecology Department focuses on elucidating the connections between living organisms and their environments, while addressing complex issues surrounding endangered species protection and wildlife management. Plans are underway to establish a new program for Human and Animal Behavioral Science by April 2027, enhancing the study of coexistence between humans, animals, and nature.

Website: University of Human Environment

About Okazaki City Higashi Park Zoo

The Okazaki City Higashi Park Zoo is a free-entry park combining nature and culture on its extensive grounds. The zoo boasts a variety of wildlife, including large animals like deer and llamas, as well as smaller species like meerkats and prairie dogs. Guests can also enjoy close-up experiences with animals like guinea pigs and Flemish giants. Numerous events and activities, such as feeding sessions and educational tours behind the scenes, engage visitors.

Website: Okazaki City Zoo