Notojima Aquarium Fully Reopens with Revival of Dolphin Show; Facility Had Been Closed Since January 2024 Due to Noto Peninsula Earthquake

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:49 JST, March 22, 2025

NANAO, Ishikawa — Notojima Aquarium in Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture, marked its full reopening on Saturday with the revival of its dolphin show, which had been suspended due to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day in 2024.

The facility’s boiler stopped working after water was cut off when the earthquake struck, and the facility’s pipes and other equipment suffered damage. The aquarium evacuated its animals to facilities inside and outside of the prefecture, including other aquariums. Meanwhile, they moved ahead with restoration work and partially reopened on July 20.

The number of animals on display is now back to almost the same level as before the earthquake, including a female whale shark named Momo who arrived in October.

Four dolphins appeared in the show on Saturday. The dolphins balanced balls on their beaks and, in response to their trainer’s instructions, they would leap out of the water together, eliciting cheers and applause from the audience.

“When I visited during summer vacation, it felt lonely because there weren’t many fish,” an elementary school girl, who lives in the city, said. “I am happy that the dolphins have been doing well.”