Ikeda Zoo is a private zoo that has been operating on a hilly site in the mountains of Kyoyama since it opened in 1953. The zoo is lined with slopes and promenades, and about 450 popular animals of 100 species, including giraffes, red pandas, white tigers, and Indian elephants, are kept in a natural environment. Most of the zoo is built to take advantage of the mountain slope, so visitors can get up close and personal with the animals as they climb the slopes.

There are many animal interaction programs, such as feeding experiences and a petting area with guinea pigs and rabbits. For families with small children, the old-fashioned playground equipment, such as battery cars and mini locomotives, is popular. The Ferris wheel has already been removed due to its aging, and only battery cars and watching cycles are currently in operation. You can also enjoy a stroll while observing nature amid the greenery that changes with the seasons.

It is a recommended leisure spot for families with children, and it is fine to bring your own lunch box. Many families use strollers, but since the zoo uses the slope of the mountain, there are many stairs and steep slopes.

Many of the animals are sleeping in the morning, so it is best to go during the feeding time in the afternoon.

There are many kinds of animals, such as giraffes, elephants, brown bears, tigers, lions, monkeys, wild boars, hyenas, deer, red pandas, llamas, zebras, ostriches, American bison, cows, bugs, chimpanzees, flamingos, penguins, peacocks, and owls.

[Trivia]
Ikeda Zoo is one of the first privately run zoos in Japan, opened in 1953, and its predecessor was Ikeda Farm, which started in 1948. Currently, in cooperation with Okayama Prefecture, it also protects and rehabilitates injured wild animals, and is committed to activities to return rescued individuals to the wild. In addition, Mary, the Indian elephant, who was once the idol of the zoo, came to the zoo from Thailand in 1967 and entertained visitors for 49 years until 2016.