Fukuoka: American Beavers at Japan’s Zoo Create Sculptures; Visitors Can Observe Up Close

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:56 JST, March 14, 2026

HISAYAMA, Fukuoka — Beavers gnawing on logs can be observed up close at the Torius Friendly Zoo in Hisayama, Fukuoka Prefecture.

The zoo houses nine American beavers. Beavers are nocturnal, waking from sleep in the afternoon and becoming active from evening onward.

Inside the zoo grounds, roughly 2-meter-tall logs with diameters of about 30 to 50 centimeters are placed upright. The beavers move freely, eating the bark and trimming their constantly growing front teeth. Using their large front teeth, they gnaw away at the logs until they become tapered, resembling sculptural works, by continuously chewing at the same height.

During winter, when nest-building is active, they frequently gnaw and carry the resulting chips to their sleeping area, spreading them out to sleep on.

At the zoo, visitors can also see mini-pigs and capybaras relaxing while warming themselves by installed heaters.