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AOAO SAPPORO, an aquarium located in the heart of Sapporo (Location: Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido; Director: Masaki Yamauchi), will host "HELLO!
Kita Sanshouuo," a new exhibition where visitors can learn about the "Kita Sanshouuo" (Siberian salamander), an amphibian designated as a natural monument by Shibechacho, Hokkaido. The event will commence on July 2, 2026 (Thu).[(Left) AOAO SAPPORO 4F LABORATORY, (Right) Illustration of the "Kita Sanshouuo" life cycle]The new event, "HELLO!
Kita Sanshouuo," is timed to coincide with the salamanders' life cycle, from hatching in spring to emerging on land in summer.In addition to a permanent exhibition tank where visitors can observe the "Kita Sanshouuo's" ecology and growth process, there will be an exhibit that clearly explains the salamander's life cycle through illustrations.Alongside the tank exhibit, the event will feature a hands-on program for children to learn about the "Kita Sanshouuo" while creating 3D magnets, and a "NIGHT WATCHING TALK" for adults, where AOAO SAPPORO's biological staff will explain the salamander's ecology and the conservation activities being conducted in collaboration with Shibechacho, Hokkaido.Furthermore, original postcards featuring the same illustrations as the exhibition will be sold at "WONDER BOOKS" on the 4th floor.AOAO SAPPORO will continue to explore ways for people and nature to connect through events and experiential programs, serving as an entryway to the nature found within the city.AOAO SAPPORO, together with Shibechacho, Hokkaido, with whom it has signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement, is supporting conservation activities for the "Kita Sanshouuo," a natural monument designated by the town.New Summer Event "HELLO!
Kita Sanshouuo"Event Period: July 2, 2026 (Thu) –Event Details: Exhibitions and hands-on programs introducing the ecology, life cycle, and conservation activities of the "Kita Sanshouuo."[Hands-on Program] Craft Aquarium "Hello!
Kita Sanshouuo"Event Period: July 2, 2026 (Thu) – *End date undecided*Event Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last reception 3:30 PM)Venue: 5F "CO-WORKING"Participation Fee: 500 yen (tax included) *Cash only*Aoao Members, Nichinichi Members: 300 yen (tax included)Program Details: A program where participants learn about the "Kita Sanshouuo" while creating 3D papercraft magnets.[Hello!
Kita Sanshouuo][Hands-on Program] Night Museum Tour ~Kita Sanshouuo Special Edition~Event Date and Time: July 10, 2026 (Fri) 7:00 PM – *Approximately 45 minutes*Meeting Time: 6:45 PMVenue: 4F "LABORATORY"Participation Fee: 1,000 yen (tax included) *Admission fee separate*Participant Capacity: First 6 peopleProgram Details: Discover the secrets of water in an urban aquarium and the hidden truths of the "lab" where creatures are cared for. This special edition will focus on the "Kita Sanshouuo" bred at AOAO SAPPORO.This program includes one drink (alcoholic beverages available).How to Participate:- Tour tickets can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis at the register in the 4F Entrance between 10:00 AM and 6:45 PM on the day of the event. Please speak to the staff at the 4F Entrance if you wish to purchase tickets.- Children in 3rd grade and above are eligible to participate.- When purchasing tickets, the names and phone numbers of all participants will be recorded.- Nichinichi members who wish to participate will need to pay the participation fee and admission fee.[Night Museum Tour Image][Hands-on Program] NIGHT WATCHING TALK #12 ~Kita Sanshouuo Talk~Event Date and Time: July 17, 2026 (Fri) 6:00 PM – *Approximately 30 minutes*Venue: 4F "LABORATORY 2"Program Details: A program where AOAO SAPPORO's biological staff will explain the ecology and conservation activities of the "Kita Sanshouuo" while participants observe them.[Kita Sanshouuo larvae (photographed on June 26)][Merchandise] AOAO SAPPORO Postcard Set ~Kita Sanshouuo~Sales Period: July 2, 2026 (Thu) –Sales Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSales Location: 4F "WONDER BOOKS"Sales Price: 600 yen (tax included)Sales Details: A postcard set featuring illustrations of three stages of the "Kita Sanshouuo": egg, larva, and adult.[Postcard Set Image]About the "Kita Sanshouuo"Species Name: Kita SanshouuoEnglish Name: Siberian salamanderScientific Name: Salamandrella keyserlingiiAn amphibian approximately 11-13 cm in length, found in limited areas in Japan such as the Kushiro Wetland. It is characterized by a golden stripe running down the middle of its back.AOAO SAPPORO began cooperating with Shibechacho, Hokkaido, in conservation activities for the "Kita Sanshouuo," a natural monument designated by the town, starting in April 2025.In 2025, the salamanders were kept and raised at AOAO SAPPORO until mid-August before emerging, and were released on August 25 under the supervision of a curator from the Shibechacho Museum "Nitai-to."In 2026, egg masses collected by a curator from the Shibechacho Museum "Nitai-to" have been on display at AOAO SAPPORO 4F "LABORATORY" since May. This year, the exhibition has become permanent, allowing visitors to observe the entire process of the amphibian's development from egg to larva to adult.[Kita Sanshouuo]* Conservation Activities at AOAO SAPPORO: https://aoao-sapporo.blue/forfield/* Regarding the Zoo Ordinance: https://www.city.sapporo.jp/zoo/ordinance/index.htmlAbout the Hokkaido Wildlife Conservation ProjectThis project is a joint initiative by nine zoos and aquariums in Hokkaido, members of the Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA), to actively conduct research, studies, and public awareness activities for the conservation of Hokkaido's wildlife. In the "Waku Waku Stamp Rally 2024" organized by this project, which concluded in March 2025, AOAO SAPPORO featured a "Kita Sanshouuo" design stamp.* Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hokkaidousan.ikimono[AOAO SAPPORO "Kita Sanshouuo" Stamp]About ShibechachoShibechacho, located in eastern Hokkaido, has a total area of 1,099.37 square kilometers (half the size of Tokyo). It is a town rich in natural environments where precious flora and fauna inhabit, including two national parks, "Kushiro Shitsugen National Park" and "Akan Mashu National Park," and the "Akkeshi-Kiritappu-Konbumori Quasi-National Park."The main industry is dairy farming, producing and selling milk and various dairy products, as well as brand beef, sheep, and deer, with diverse specialty products utilizing its vast natural landscape.* Shibechacho: https://hokkaido.shibecha.jp/[Shibechacho Town Emblem]About "Suizokukan Club" (Annual Passport)"Suizokukan Club" is a membership system designed for regular enjoyment of the aquarium. Members receive benefits such as priority participation in hands-on programs and events related to aquatic life, special offers on select menu items at "Shirokuma Bakery &," and discounts and benefits at designated stores within the commercial facility "moyuk SAPPORO." Membership includes an annual passport for AOAO SAPPORO, and renewal before expiration offers continued membership at a discounted rate of up to 20%.* About Suizokukan Club: https://aoao-sapporo.blue/ticket/[Hands-on Program Image]AOAO SAPPORO / Facility OverviewOpening Date: July 20, 2023 (Thu)Location: 4F, moyuk SAPPORO, Minami 2-jo Nishi 3-chome 20, Chuo-ku, SapporoAccess: 3-minute walk from Odori Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku, Tozai, and Toho Lines; 1-minute walk from Tanukikoji Station on the Sapporo StreetcarBusiness Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last admission 9:00 PM) *May vary depending on the season*Closed: Open year-round *May close temporarily for facility maintenance, etc.*Operating Company: A-O Co., Ltd. (https://aoao.blue/)* Official HP: https://aoao-sapporo.blue* Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aoao_sapporo* Official X: https://x.com/aoao_sapporo[AOAO SAPPORO Logo Mark]