Fuku-Chan is a female Bornean Asian elephant who has lived at Fukuyama City Zoo since arriving from Borneo in April 2001 at an estimated age of three. Scientific literature describes her as having been orphaned before being brought to Japan. She was the first elephant at the zoo and has lived there alone ever since.
In 2016, Fuku-Chan was diagnosed with tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium caprae. Following approximately two and a half years of treatment, she completed her treatment program in 2018.
Enclosure & Enrichment
During Elephants in Japan’s original 2017 investigation into solitary elephants in Japanese zoos, elephant biologist Dr. Keith Lindsay observed Fuku-Chan on site. He noted that she spent much of her day indoors, particularly during the winter months. He also described a relatively small enclosure with substantial concrete surfaces, limited shade, and a pool for bathing.
Dr. Lindsay also observed efforts by her keepers to encourage movement and activity. More recent social media posts suggest these efforts have continued and expanded, showing feeding enrichment devices, husbandry training, and ongoing keeper interaction. Visitors attending keeper talks can observe training behaviors that allow staff to monitor Fuku-Chan’s health and examine her mouth and teeth.
Health & Research
Fuku-Chan’s tuberculosis was diagnosed after a period of declining health that included weight loss, loss of appetite and coughing. Her case later contributed to scientific research. In 2022, Japanese researchers published a study based on blood samples collected over more than 16 years, helping improve understanding of tuberculosis in elephants and contributing to future diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.
While Fuku-Chan benefits from regular keeper interaction and enrichment, she continues to live alone without the companionship of other elephants, a situation that remains a significant welfare concern for this highly social species.
