Enjoy performances by orcas at "Kobe Suma Sea World," opening in June 2024!

On June 1, 2024, "Kobe Suma Sea World" had its grand opening in Suma, Kobe City. This new aquarium, built on the site of the long-beloved Suma Aqualife Park, not only inherits a diverse array of marine life from its predecessor but also attracts attention for exhibiting the only orca in Western Japan.

"The new aquarium aims to carry on the spirit of 'Suma Aqualife Park,' which has been beloved by the community for many years, while bringing the charm of marine life even closer to visitors," says Director Yoshiaki Nakano. He shared some of the highlights with us.

One of the highlights of the new aquarium will be the orcas. At the Orca Stadium, you can enjoy their dynamic performances. Additionally, in the buffet restaurant "Blue Ocean Orca Stadium," you can dine while watching the orcas swim gracefully through a huge window that is 21 meters wide and 2.7 meters tall.

“At Kobe Suma Sea World, we value not only entertainment but also education,” says Director Nakano. The aquarium focuses on four main roles: recreation, education, conservation, and research. It aims to be an "edutainment aquarium" that combines learning and fun, so both adults and children can enjoy and learn. Inside, there are unique educational zones like "Orca Lab," which displays skeletal specimens and the latest research, and "Orca Hall," where you can watch videos of wild orcas in the Shiretoko Sea. These features allow visitors to learn more about orcas in depth.

"Orcas live in oceans all over the world, but there is still much we don't know about them, and research is ongoing. For example, recent studies have shown that their behaviors and diets vary depending on where they live. I hope people can enjoy learning about these fascinating, little-known aspects of orcas.”

Director Nakano says the most significant change from its predecessor, Suma Aqualife Park, is in the tanks and exhibition methods.

"We've installed large tanks using minimal pillars and acrylics to replicate the natural habitats of each animal, a feature not achievable in Suma Aqualife Park. This design allows for more dynamic displays, resembling a slice of the open ocean. Our goal is for visitors to enjoy the animals' true essence to the fullest."

We've incorporated the latest technology and implemented measures to reduce the impact on animals and the environment. For the pools where orcas and dolphins reside, we've installed a floor that can be raised and lowered. This not only enhances the safety of the animals but also of the caretakers. Additionally, there's no longer a need to drain large amounts of water when treating the animals. Furthermore, we've adopted techniques to reuse heat from warming the water in the tanks and seawater, maximizing environmental considerations.

"Many members of the local community who cherished Suma Aqualife Park have become fans across three generations, having visited as children and now bringing their own children." Director Nakano expresses the desire for the aquarium to continue walking alongside these community members in the future.

It's planned to collaborate with local universities and companies, advancing event planning and joint research initiatives. Group usage, such as extracurricular activities for Kobe city's elementary, junior high, and high schools, will be free, and participatory educational programs will be offered to encourage local children to think about animals and the environment.

Furthermore, they will continue efforts initiated during the Suma Aqualife Park era, such as breeding of animals, research on surrounding water habitats, and local wildlife rescue. Director Nakano passionately expressed the commitment to fulfill the aquarium's mission with full dedication.

While enjoying the charm of marine animals, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn and reflect on the environment and ecosystems. Expectations are high for the future of Kobe Suma Sea World as it represents a new era in aquariums.