Ueno Zoo Ikenohata Gate — Attraction in Tokyo

I don't know how some people are saying the animals are well kept when the majority of them clearly aren't. I barely have any knowledge of animal care but I could clearly see how unhappy the animals were. Most of the larger animals (tiger, bears, elephants, hippos, monkeys, bison) were in tiny enclosures for their size/number or visibly showing signs of distress: sat listless or pacing or wanting to go inside (from the heat?). All very concerning. Other animals seemed visibly injured or unwell, eyes red and bulging and fur/feathers dirty, matted or balding. (videos attached) Was really sad to see. The entry was cheap I suppose but I wish they would increase it and treat their animals better. Be aware many of the exhibits close/animals are sent indoors between 2pm and closing so you may miss things....

Ueno Zoo is worth the trip. Admission is approximately $5.00. The pandas are separated into two separate exhibits to help with their popularity and moving crowds through. When I arrived the estimated wait was 40 minutes to see either of the pandas; however, i only had to wait about 10 minutes. The rest of the park is wonderful with seemingly smaller animals on one side and larger animal on the other. Depending on where you enter, you may have a large bridge to cross. There is an elevator if you're not up to climbing. I would recommend seeing the pandas then the large mama's next. Many of rhe large mammals next. The gorillas and tiger "gonback to bed" around 4:00pm or 4:30pm so if you want to see these animals, plan your stops...

This zoo is just okay, the price is good and it's a very large zoo but it seems kind of run down. Several of the pens were "cancelled" or closed for maintenance. Many of the enclosures looked old and small. I couldn't even see some of the animals I wanted to see since their enclosures were closed for the day which I wasn't notified of before buying my ticket. Also this zoo does not really close at 5pm. Half of the enclosures like the tigers close at 3:30, the pandas at 4 etc. this was also not clearly explained upon entry. Maybe don't come right now and check back in a few years when they finish...