Gibraltar Life Supports 'Dream Night at the Zoo'
Gibraltar Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and led by President and CEO Takashi Soeda) is excited to announce its continued support for the international event,
'Dream Night at the Zoo,' which invites children with disabilities and their families to enjoy a beautiful evening at various zoos and aquariums. This year, Gibraltar Life will sponsor a total of 15 locations, including 13 zoos and 2 aquariums scheduled for events in 2025.
As a company committed to future generations, Gibraltar Life has proudly supported this initiative since its inception in 2012. The goal of 'Dream Night at the Zoo' is to create an inclusive environment where families can relax and enjoy the wonders of wildlife together, free from societal pressures. Last year's event saw numerous heartfelt testimonials from attendees who praised the program for its welcoming atmosphere, allowing kids to freely explore and engage with the animals. One parent remarked,
'I can relax knowing my child can enjoy seeing the animals without fear of judgment.' Others expressed gratitude for the warm interaction from staff, who went above and beyond to ensure families had a great time.
On event days, employees from Gibraltar Life volunteer at various locations to aid in operations and contribute to creating memorable moments for families. Their involvement is a testament to the company’s dedication to supporting children's futures and enriching their lives through community initiatives.
Upcoming 'Dream Night at the Zoo' Events
While specific event dates for 2025 have yet to be finalized, more information will be available on the official websites of the participating zoos and aquariums or in local government publications.
Participating Locations
- - Sapporo Maruyama Zoo - Sapporo, Hokkaido
- - Yagiyama Zoological Park - Sendai, Miyagi
- - Niigata Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai - Niigata, Niigata
- - Saitama Children’s Animal Nature Park - Higashimatsuyama, Saitama
- - Chiba City Zoo - Chiba City, Chiba
- - Shinagawa Aquarium - Shinagawa, Tokyo
- - Yokohama Zoological Gardens Zoorasia - Yokohama, Kanagawa
- - Kyoto City Zoo - Kyoto City, Kyoto
- - Hiroshima City Asa Zoo - Hiroshima City, Hiroshima
- - Tobe Zoo - Iyo-gun, Ehime
- - Kochi Prefectural Zoo - Konan, Kochi
- - Kitakyushu City Moat Forest Park - Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
- - Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens - Kumamoto City, Kumamoto
- - Hirakawa Zoo - Kagoshima City, Kagoshima
- - Okinawa Children's World - Okinawa City, Okinawa
Note: Certain locations may host the event under different names. For instance, the Niigata Aquarium and Shinagawa Aquarium host
'Dream Night at the Aquarium.' The Chiba City Zoo names its event
'Dream Day at the Zoo,' while the Hirakawa Zoo refers to it as
'Tender Night.'
What is 'Dream Night at the Zoo'?
'Dream Night at the Zoo' is an international initiative designed to invite children with disabilities and their families to zoos and aquariums free of charge, enabling them to enjoy special moments together. The program began in 1996 when the Blijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam, Netherlands, welcomed 175 children suffering from cancer and their families. As of April 2025, this initiative will take place in over 40 countries worldwide at 294 zoos and aquariums.
In Japan, 'Dream Night at the Zoo' launch began in 2005, with the Yokohama Zoological Gardens Zoorasia as its starting point. Events are typically held on the first Friday of June in the Northern Hemisphere and on the first Friday of December in the Southern Hemisphere; however, dates in Japan may vary according to local circumstances and seasonal considerations.
For more information, please visit the official website of 'Dream Night at the Zoo'
here.