A Japanese zoo employee has allegedly admitted to dumping his wife's body in a workplace incinerator before clocking in for his shift.
The brutal crime is said to have occurred at Asahiyama Zoo in the northern city of Asahikawa, with authorities now carrying out extensive searches in animal enclosures for any clues related to her death.
The employee - who has only been identified as a man in his 30s - has been arrested on suspicion of illegally dumping his wife's body.
The woman had been reported missing last month, with a concerned colleague of hers phoning the police after she was unable to get into contact with her.
When questioned, the man could not explain his wife's sudden disappearance - and is said to have given a number of bizarre explanations as to why he was unable to reach her.
He was later probed by the authorities on April 23, where he allegedly confessed to destroying her body in the zoo's incinerator.
Police have yet establish the woman's cause of death prior to her body being disposed of.
In response to the Investigation, Asahiyama Zoo has been forced to shut until May, with plans for its "Golden Week" celebrations postponed.
Asahiyama Zoo has been forced to shut until May, with plans for Golden Week celebrations postponed
|GETTY
The popular tourist hotspot had already been closed for renovations ahead of the peak season over the coming months.
The city's mayor, Hirosuke Imazu, apologised for the “great inconvenience”, adding that the decision to postpone its opening was "painful".
He thanked the public for the "many encouraging messages”, saying they had been “a great source of strength for the zoo and its staff" during the difficult period.
Locals have reportedly voiced concerns about how the incident may damage the zoo's reputation, with warnings that a drop in guests could have damaging implications for the city's economy, according to local media.
JAPAN - READ THE LATEST:
The popular tourist hotspot had been closed for renovations ahead of the peak season over the coming months
|GETTY
Mayor Imazu warned visitors there could be “sudden closures or limiting access to certain areas” as the authorities continue their investigation into the death.
Officials confirmed that the zoo was fully cooperating with the probe and that animals were still being looked after despite the attraction's closure.
One Asahikawa official said: “A zoo exists to be seen by visitors.
"We made our final decision based on the voices of the public, who said: ‘We want things to return to normal as soon as possible.’”
Mayor Imazu warned visitors there could be 'sudden closures' as the police continue their investigation
|GETTY
Asahiyama Zoo first opened its doors to the public in 1967, and is the country's most northern wildlife park.
The attraction drew in more than 1.33 million visitors in 2025.
It is widely known for its “behavioural exhibits", giving zoo-goers a chance to observe the natural behaviours of a variety of creatures.
There are around 96 wildlife parks across the country - overseen by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums - with Yokohama Zoo "Zoorasia" being the largest.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter