Neo Park Okinawa — Attraction in Nago

The conditions for the capybaras at Neo Park Okinawa are deeply distressing and reflect a clear lack of care and understanding of their basic needs. As semi-aquatic animals, capybaras require access to clean, deep water for swimming, cooling down, and maintaining their skin health. However, what they are provided is a small, stagnant plastic tub filled with dirty water, which staff claim is used as a toilet. This setup is woefully inadequate and poses serious health risks to the animals. The capybaras appear visibly malnourished, with their bony spines protruding prominently—a clear sign of poor nutrition. Despite this, the zoo profits by selling food to visitors for feeding the animals, raising questions about whether the capybaras’ dietary needs are being properly met or if they are being exploited for revenue. The enclosure itself is barren and unhygienic, with feces scattered on the ground and no effort made to provide a clean or enriching environment. The stagnant water in the tub further exacerbates the unsanitary conditions and could lead to disease. When questioned about the lack of proper water facilities, staff dismissed concerns by falsely claiming that capybaras “don’t need water” beyond what they are provided. This statement demonstrates either ignorance or indifference toward the animals’ welfare. Such misinformation is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the park’s professionalism and commitment to animal care. Neo Park Okinawa must urgently address these issues by providing a proper pool that allows full immersion, ensuring regular cleaning and maintenance of water sources, addressing malnutrition through adequate food and veterinary care, and training staff on species-specific care requirements. Until these changes are made, visitors should avoid this facility and instead support establishments that prioritize animal welfare over profit. The current conditions at Neo Park are unacceptable and demand immediate...

This attraction seems a bit run down and plenty of work will need to be done if, travelers begin flocking to Okinawa, as corona-virus fears subside. There were workers doing repairs and some gardening, to make up for the neglect of the grounds caused by a serious drop in the tourism industry. On a positive note: Folks who dislike crowds, may wish to visit this place, before it becomes overrun with returning tourists in the future. Staff were friendly and helpful but, limited English is spoken. There were free brochures for the taking but, none in the English language were available. My recommendation would be, visit the Neo Park website, prior to going to this attraction and gain as much information as possible. The language may be switched to English and, it is informative. The park is family friendly and handicap accessible. Umbrellas are free for use if it rains or, may be used as parasols on hot summer days. Children seemed to enjoy the birds flocking around them and, food is available (inexpensive) for feeding the animals. No food should be given the the wildlife, except for what's sold on the premises. Warning are posted, concerning fingers, for caged wildlife which may bite children (or adults) who decide to poke around inside ages. There are plenty of restrooms along the route and a few refreshment stands were in operation. As business improves (hopefully) more of the stalls selling refreshments will open and additional staff will be hired to assist visitors and maintain the buildings...

We went on a hot day, the good thing was there was lots of shade in the park and they provide UV umbrellas as well.

The petting zoo and train is an extra fee. The food for animals is also another 200 yen if you wish to feed them. The bird food is plentiful and there are clear instructions what animal can get what food. The petting zoo was fun, before I went I read some reviews that the doggies do not look well - don’t let their small size fool you, they’re actually pretty old and it’s nice they look pretty healthy for their age. There’s Dachshund who will come lay in your lap if you sit down. You can also walk the with 3 doggies outside. Theres also descriptions which really tells their characters well. Capybaras are doing their thing and are well mannered and carefully pick their food - it’s the first time I gave capy food straight from my hand without a mit or pliers. Goats were also cute and engaged with us.

The rest of the park is free roaming birds and some rarer animals. It was very fun to see so many species. The bird show was educational and fun as birds fly over your head in the show.

All in all spent the whole day here and had a fun time. Be aware of...