Aging animals, fewer species and declining visitors are among the problems facing Japanese zoos today. But Osaka's Tennoji Zoo has attracted 570,000 more visitors over the last 3 years with its animal-friendly exhibits, conservation and breeding programs in line with CITES. These innovations are brought about by Shinichiro Maki, whose love for animals led him to quit his office job 3 years ago and become its director. He shares his thoughts on the significance and future of zoos today.