Zoo Reopening Delayed Amid Shocking Criminal Investigation in Hokkaido
北海道动物园因刑事调查延迟开放
日本北部一座知名动物园因一起震惊社会的刑事案件推迟开放，目前警方仍在展开调查。位于北海道旭川市的旭山动物园自4月8日起进入季节性休园，原计划在黄金周期间重新开放，但为了配合警方调查，开放时间已推迟至至少周五。案件源于一名30多岁女性失踪，其友人因长时间联系不上她而报警。据称，该女子曾向朋友表示，因丈夫威胁而感到害怕。警方随后对其丈夫（动物园员工）进行讯问，他在过程中疑似暗示与妻子死亡有关，并称已在动物园焚化炉中焚烧尸体数小时。该事件震惊当地社会，也为这一热门旅游景点蒙上阴影。目前案件仍在进一步调查中。
A major zoo in northern Japan has postponed its reopening after a disturbing criminal case involving one of its employees emerged, prompting an ongoing police investigation.
Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan’s most popular wildlife attractions, had been closed מאז April 8 for a seasonal break and was scheduled to reopen during the busy Golden Week holiday. However, officials announced the reopening would be delayed until at least Friday to allow authorities to conduct a thorough search of the premises.
The investigation began after a woman in her 30s was reported missing by a concerned friend who had not heard from her since late March. Reports indicate the woman had previously expressed fear for her safety, telling friends her husband had threatened her.
Police later questioned the husband, an employee of the zoo also in his 30s. During interrogation, he allegedly suggested involvement in her death. According to local media, he told investigators that he had disposed of her body using an incinerator located on zoo grounds, burning it for several hours.
Authorities from Hokkaido Prefectural Police began searching the zoo last Friday, focusing on the animal hospital’s crematorium facilities, as well as the couple’s home in Asahikawa. Despite extensive efforts, no remains have yet been discovered.
Investigators have also seized multiple vehicles, including a truck bearing the zoo’s logo, believed to have been used in transporting the body.
At a press conference, Hirosuke Imazu, mayor of Asahikawa, confirmed the city’s full cooperation with the investigation. He apologized to visitors for the inconvenience caused during a peak travel period, describing the delay as a difficult but necessary decision.
The incident has shocked the local community and cast a shadow over one of Hokkaido’s top tourist destinations. Authorities continue to investigate the case while forensic searches remain ongoing.
