Study Reveals Poor Management and 137 Bacteria Species in Japanese Wildlife Cafes
Undercover Investigation Reveals Serious Concerns at Wildlife Cafes in Japan
An undercover investigation conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Japan has uncovered significant issues regarding the management of wildlife cafes, where visitors can interact with rare animals. The findings were announced on October 3 and reveal inadequate safety measures, as well as the presence of 137 types of bacteria in these establishments.
The probe focused on 25 wildlife cafes located in Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa prefectures. These cafes were identified online as displaying at least 10 animals. The investigation examined the types and numbers of animals on display or for sale, the presence of employees, and the setup of barriers and handwashing stations.
High Risk of Infections and Injuries
During the inspection, a total of 1,702 wild animals were found on display, including 459 endangered species such as snowy owls and Asian small-clawed otters. Among the animals, 23 cafes had species that posed a high risk of injury, like meerkats with sharp claws and teeth. Ideally, barriers should be installed to prevent direct contact, but 19 of these facilities lacked such barriers or employee supervision, indicating insufficient injury prevention measures.
In terms of infection control, nearly half of the cafes did not have handwashing stations, which are essential for preventing the spread of diseases. One cafe even failed to provide hand sanitizers. While 23 cafes encouraged hand sanitization upon entry, only 14 did so upon exit. This suggests that operators are more concerned about infections from humans to animals, but they overlook the risks of transmission from animals to humans and subsequently between humans.
Bacterial Threats Found in Wildlife Cafes
The investigation also collected samples from the animals\’ bodies through wiping and found a total of 137 types of bacteria. Among them, enterohemorrhagic E. coli, represented by O157, was detected in four cafes. Salmonella, which can cause gastroenteritis and typhoid fever, was found in two establishments, and antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus was present in seven cafes.
These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with close contact with wild animals. The WWF Japan emphasizes that both the awareness of store operators and customers, as well as stronger legal regulations, are necessary to address these concerns.
Wildlife Cafes in Japan: A Growing Trend
According to past surveys, it is estimated that there are around 100 wildlife cafes in Japan. Unlike in other countries, species with restrictions on ownership or physical contact in overseas jurisdictions are treated with much more leeway in Japan. This has led to the country\’s reputation as a \”wildlife cafe powerhouse\” among enthusiasts, with a noticeable influx of foreign tourists.
Regulations in Japan appear to be more lenient compared to countries like South Korea, which banned wildlife cafes in 2023. Yoko Asakawa from WWF Japan, who compiled the survey results, stated, \”The display and sale of animals may increase the risk of overexploitation and extinction of rare species, and may also pose injury and infection risks to humans.\”
Expert Opinions on the Issue
Mayumi Ishizuka, a professor of toxicology and forensic veterinary medicine at Hokkaido University\’s Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, commented on the situation. She noted that while wild animals are often treated like pets, unlike dogs and cats, whose diseases are well understood, wild animals remain largely unexplored regarding the bacteria and viruses they carry.
Wildlife cafes can be considered breeding grounds for infectious diseases. While interaction with animals may be therapeutic for humans, it can cause significant stress to the animals. Ishizuka emphasized the need to strengthen regulations under the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals and other related legislation.
