Temporary closure of Osaka Tennoji Zoo due to staff shortages as COVID spreads

Japan's Osaka Tennoji Zoo in the city's Tennoji Ward has announced its temporary closure from 25th January due to staff shortages amid the spread of COVID infections.

Tennoji Zoo is a long-established wildlife park that's been open now for over 100 years. Over 180 species of animals live on the spacious zoo grounds with the zoo's famed ecological exhibits showcasing animals living in habitats similar to their native environments.

As reported in the Mainichi Japan, Osaka Tennoji Zoo has not determined when it will reopen as about 30% of zookeepers were apparently unable to work because they were either infected with the virus or had had close contact with infected people.

According to the zoo, as of 24th January, a total of nine keepers including those who had close contact with infected people were unable to work. The zoo has 29 keepers and it usually operates with about 18 such workers a day. But since 22nd January, it was operating with a team of about 10 keepers a day.

While the zoo has the necessary number of keepers to care for the animals, it decided to temporarily close because some keepers would need to take care of unfamiliar animals.

Entry tickets purchased in advance will be refunded.

Image credit: Osaka Information