Zoo in Japan postpones opening after employee admits to burning his wife’s body in incinerator

Japan zoo worker admits to burning wife’s body in animal incinerator, zoo opening delayed

A zoo in Japan has postponed its reopening after an employee allegedly confessed to burning his wife’s body in an on-site incinerator, sparking a police investigation.

According to Asahi Shimbun, the Hokkaido-based zoo delayed its opening by two days to cooperate with authorities, apologising to the public for the disruption.

Woman reported missing by friend

Investigations began last Thursday (23 Apr) after the woman’s acquaintance reported losing contact with her since late March.

When questioned, her husband — a zoo employee — reportedly admitted to burning her body in the zoo’s incinerator. He said the process took several hours.

Police began searching the zoo on Friday (24 Apr), before extending their investigation to the man’s residence on Sunday (26 Apr). Officers seized three vehicles, including a zoo vehicle believed to have been used to transport the body.

The body has not been recovered, according to The Mainichi. Authorities are investigating whether it may have been completely reduced to ash.

The incinerator is typically used to cremate deceased animals from the zoo.

Zoo delays reopening amid investigation

In response to the incident, the zoo decided to postpone its opening until 1 May. The zoo had been closed to remove winter enclosures and to prepare it for the new season.

Management said the delay would allow time to support affected staff and review internal security measures.

The city is also considering compensating tenants, including restaurants and shops, for potential losses from unused food and manpower.

“We sincerely apologize for the great concern and inconvenience caused,” the city mayor told the public.

Also read: Missing 11-year-old boy found dead in Kyoto forest, stepfather arrested for allegedly dumping body