here are a few articles online that comment on the unethical nature of the foxes living at Zao Fox Village which I wanted to explore here. Unfortunately, there are no official details in English or Japanese about why the Zao Fox Village was started online that I could find at least. However, there are facts that the staff do explain during your briefing and some kind bloggers who were able to translate.

All foxes in the village are domestically bred and tamed. As they are all vaccinated, there is no fear of Echinococcus infection from being spread which allows a safe interaction between humans and animals.

One of the main problems I believe is the assumptions that can be stemmed from the misinterpretation of the word “sanctuary.” The original foxes at Zao Fox Village were actually rescued from the fur trade and they don’t sell any of the animals born in their care which makes it sound like an animal sanctuary of sorts. But, like a wonderland attraction, I would not call it an “animal sanctuary” in the sense of endangered species conservation. To me, it’s a themed zoo selling the image of a “fox heaven” experience.

Another issue was the animals kept in cages. There are a number of reasons explained as to why an animal had to be put in a cage. This could be due to sickness and preventing cross infection, being overly aggressive and needing to be isolated from the others or people, or during the breeding season. Regardless, animals kept in cages is an ethical dilemma that will always face heavy criticism. Unfortunately, in many Asian countries including Japan, views on pet and animal ownership can be very polarising especially from a Western perspective.

For me, the animals did seem fine in their cages and did not seem to be in distress or crying. That being said though, I do think the cages look shabby and would like to see them change its layout and structure.

Also, I think they should not leash the animals especially the farm goats. I speculate they did this in fear they would jump their pen and risk heading into an area they shouldn’t be in. I would rather see them make a more secure space for the farm animals or exclude them for safety reasons as an ideal situation.

Some people are concerned about the fox feed that the staff provides for the feeding station thinking it’s too similar to a cat or dog food. Foxes are well adapted to human environments and they also can enjoy eating pet food as written here.