上に象の彫像 Statue

Within Osaka’s Tennoji Zoo, a remarkable creature captivates visitors: Haruko, the elderly elephant. The 上に像の雌像 statue isn’t a statue at all, but a living, breathing embodiment of history and resilience. Haruko isn’t just any elephant. She’s a symbol of longevity, a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals. Born in Thailand around 1948, Haruko arrived in Japan in 1950, making Tennoji Zoo her home for over seven decades. The 上に像の雌像, as some affectionately call her, has witnessed the zoo’s transformation over the years, from its humble beginnings as Japan’s third zoo in 1915 to the modern marvel it is today. Imagine Haruko in 2010, on Respect-for-the-Aged Day, receiving gifts of watermelon and sweet potatoes. Picture her, with a mischievous glint in her one good eye, using her foot to crack open the watermelon, a gesture that delighted the cheering schoolchildren. These sweet potatoes weren’t ordinary ones. They were grown in the zoo’s garden, fertilized with Haruko’s own dung, a touching symbol of the cycle of life. One can almost hear ten-year-old Rikako Tonnna’s encouraging words, “Eat lots of food and keep living a long time!” echoing through the zoo. Haruko, despite being blind in one eye, maintained a robust appetite and good health, a testament to the dedicated care of her keepers. Her longevity, attributed to her regular diet of natural foods, serves as an inspiration. Haruko, the 上に像の雌像, stands as a living statue, a reminder of the rich history of Tennoji Zoo and the enduring spirit of a remarkable elephant.