As Japan faces coronavirus setbacks, many zoos struggle financially. However, a secretive strategy has emerged: offering animals for "free." This doesn't mean animals are given away carelessly, but they are moved to better-funded institutions at no cost — a much-needed helping hand in the animal welfare sector. Many distressed zoos have begun relying on such programs to save costs, while ensuring the well-being of their inhabitants.

Animal welfare is a significant social issue in Japan. As the country battles economic woes, its zoos, which are severely underfunded and cash-strapped, have been in the spotlight. Citizens care deeply about the welfare of animals, and the free animal programs have gained popularity for addressing these issues sustainably, ensuring that the animals receive the necessary care and attention they require.

In the US and EU, zoos and animal sanctuaries have various support systems, including government grants, private financial support, and crowd-sourced funding. Unconventional solutions like free animal programs are less common. However, the increasing popularity of these programs in Japan may spark a global conversation about alternative solutions to animal welfare during economic challenges.