SPECIMEN No.0091 ・ Zoo
Hochanホウちゃん
Name romanized from Japanese; not an official English name.
Polar BearUrsus maritimusVU— Vulnerable
Hochan is a Polar Bear recorded at Tennoji Zoo. Born November 25, 2020.
Adding to your Field Guide is saved on this device only (beta feature).
Save the facility and optional date in My Field Guide on this device.
Profile
| Name | Hochan (ホウちゃん) |
|---|---|
| Species | Polar Bear Ursus maritimus |
| Sex | Female |
| Born | November 25, 2020 |
| Birth Facility | Tennoji Zoo |
| Current Facility | Tennoji Zoo（Osaka） |
| Enclosure | Not disclosed |
| Status | In residence |
| Conservation Status (IUCN) | VU— Vulnerable |
Timeline
- November 25, 2020 Birth Tennoji Zoo Source
Records
Born November 25, 2020, at Tennoji Zoo to father Gogo and mother Itchan. Her parents' names reference the company name of '551 Horai,' so she was named 'Hochan,' meaning 'Horai.' She made her exhibit debut with her mother in March 2021, appearing before visitors for the first time at her mother Itchan's urging.
In December 2022 her mother Itchan moved to Yokohama Zoological Gardens Zoorasia for breeding, and Hochan began living on her own at Tennoji Zoo. The official article marking her 4th birthday noted that wild female polar bears reach sexual maturity at 4 to 6 years, meaning she had entered the stage where she could give birth.
In summer 2026, a new facility, 'Polar Bear Coast,' is scheduled to open, replacing the old facility built more than 90 years ago and tripling the area to about 1,070 square meters. It will feature a 3-meter-deep pool, two exhibit yards, and four sleeping quarters, and her keeper says the move will be made 'with her toys in tow.'
Family
FAQ
- Where can I meet Hochan?
- Hochan is recorded at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka (last verified: 2026-07-06).
- When was Hochan born?
- Hochan was born November 25, 2020.
- What does Hochan’s record tell us?
- Hochan is recorded as born on November 25, 2020. The record at Tennoji Zoo was last verified on 2026-07-06.
Last verified: ／ Source: www.tennojizoo.jp abeno.keizai.biz news.yahoo.co.jp