SDGs Activity Introduction: Mirai Try Oarai | Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium [Official]

We offer programs that broadly introduce everything from the ecology and habitats of living creatures to the work of zookeepers, aimed at children who dream of working at an aquarium in the future, and those who want to learn more about the environments in which living creatures live. Our goal is not only to deepen understanding of living creatures, but also to help people realize their charm and importance, and to use encounters with living creatures as a catalyst to increase their interest in the environment and lead them to take action.

Animal care and trainer experience

We continue our educational outreach activities, which allow people to learn about living things and the environment in an enjoyable way through workshops such as tide pool observation, animal care experiences, and trainer experiences.

Lecture Time

Our zookeepers will give lectures on the animals' ecology and care methods. They will also share details about their actual work and behind-the-scenes stories about animal care.

I am conducting research activities to clarify the ecology of sea turtles.We will also continue research on cetaceans and pinnipeds, as well as activities to protect wild individuals.

● Sea turtle survey

We conduct spawning surveys and stranding surveys.

Spawning survey/protection

If there is a possibility that the eggs will not be generated, such as where the eggs are laid in waves or directly above concrete, we will protect them and help them hatch.

stranding survey

Dead sea turtles wash up on shore, and when contacted, we go to investigate, measure their size, perform an autopsy, and determine the cause of death.
In this way, we will lead to elucidation and protection of ecology and conservation of the marine environment.

●Wildlife conservation activities

We conduct surveys and rescue activities for whales and fur seals stranded on the coast.

Wandering fin whale

Shortly after he wandered into Kashima Port, he unfortunately died.We pulled them out of the harbor, identified their species, and measured their length.

Protection of northern fur seals

Protecting weakened female individuals on the coast of Hokota City.When I gave him live fish as food, he recovered well.It was safely returned to the sea.

Whaling research business

We are cooperating in whaling research that complements resource management for dolphins and whales.
If you have witnessed any dolphins or whales stranded, adrift, or beached in Ibaraki Prefecture, please contact our facility.

In order to aim for a sustainable exhibition of living creatures, in addition to improving breeding techniques, we are systematically improving the breeding environment.

shark eggs

At this museum, when oviparous sharks lay eggs, they are transferred to a tank with water temperature suitable for breeding, and the eggs are tagged so that the date of egg laying and hatching can be identified.

Baby sand tiger shark

For over 20 years, our facility has repeatedly experimented with different breeding environments, and in 2021, we successfully bred sand tiger sharks for the first time in Japan (and the fifth facility in the world). Since then, we have continued to successfully breed them for three consecutive periods in 2023 and 2025.

The shops within the building already offer tableware made from natural materials such as wooden spoons. We will continue to actively introduce environmentally friendly materials and reduce the use of plastic products.

Plastic-free tableware

Tableware (photo) provided to customers at the relaxing cafe "Mermaid".
In addition to wooden and paper plates, we also use plates made from bamboo fiber and sugar cane residue.

Eco-friendly shopping bag

Although it is provided for a fee, we use environmentally friendly LIMEX (limestone).The number of customers who bring their own bags has increased, and we have achieved a 45% reduction in shopping bags compared to free distribution.