Cadley Animal Park in Aso

Cadley Animal Park in Aso feels like a hidden gem nestled within the forest. From the entrance, the park is surrounded by greenery, offering a tranquil atmosphere free from the noise of amusement parks, replaced instead by the rhythm of nature and the breath of animals. This is a 'half-day walking' journey and a retreat for the soul. Upon entering the park, the first area to greet me was the 'Land of Bears.' These creatures are massive and sturdy, yet surprisingly gentle. One of the highlights here is the feeding experience—bears sit upright, raising their front paws in a 'please' gesture, almost as if they’re begging playfully. Tossing food over the barrier, some bears catch it with their paws, while others wait with their mouths open, their clumsy cuteness bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Don’t miss the photo opportunity with bear cubs in the designated area, but be mindful of the limited session times. After leaving the bear area, I followed the central path and encountered a group of alpacas leisurely strolling on the grass. Their slow, vacation-like pace, coupled with the occasional glance in your direction before resuming their grazing, made it seem as though they were savoring the afternoon sunshine. The animals here feel unconfined, close enough for you to hear their breathing. In the rabbit den, the little bunnies resemble moving cotton balls, while guinea pigs scurry through wood shavings, occasionally pausing to nibble on carrots, producing soft crunching sounds. Midway through the park, there’s a small theater featuring 'Aben and Ajian' and a mini pig race. The little pigs race along a winding track, each with a numbered vest, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. These activities are both adorable and whimsical, so be sure to check the performance schedule. The latter part of the park is a small forest with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. Walking along the trail, you can hear birds chirping from the treetops, as if you’ve stepped into someone’s secret garden. The beauty here is not overly designed but naturally perfect. Near the exit, I encountered penguins and parrots. The penguins waddled between small houses, resembling residents of a fairy-tale village, while the parrots perched on wooden frames, their vibrant colors making them look like forest sprites. By the time I left Cadley Animal Park, the sky had cleared. The breeze was gentle, and so was my heart. Cadley is a place where you can truly 'breathe,' and it became my favorite part of my journey in Aso.