Japan zoo worker arrested for allegedly dumping wife’s body in incinerator

Police in Japan’s northern prefecture of Hokkaido have arrested a man on suspicion of disposing of his wife’s body in an incinerator at the zoo where he worked.

Police on Thursday arrested Suzuki Tatsuya, a 33-year-old employee of Asahiyama Zoo in the city of Asahikawa. The development follows the discovery by investigators of what appeared to be part of a human body in the incinerator.

Police allege that Suzuki took the body of his 33-year-old wife, Yui, to the zoo and burned it around March 31. They cited him as admitting to the charge.

Investigators began to question the husband after they were informed by a relative on April 23 that his wife was missing.

Police said the suspect suggested before his arrest that he had abandoned her body in the incinerator at night while the zoo was closed. They say he also indicated that he had killed his wife.

Police add Suzuki is suspected to have threatened the wife by saying he would burn her until nothing remained.

Asahiyama Zoo welcomes summer visitors, backed by public support

Asahiyama Zoo opened for the summer season on Friday, two days later than scheduled due to the police investigation.

The zoo is managed by Asahikawa City. Mayor Imazu Hirosuke greeted visitors and apologized for the arrest of one of the workers. Imazu added that the city has received many messages of encouragement. He said that despite the very difficult circumstances, the zoo hopes to draw strength from that support and continue to share the lives and vitality of the animals.

Many people, including families, lined up to enter as soon as the zoo opened.

A couple from Osaka said they had decided half a year ago that they would visit, and had been checking the news and the reopening date every day. They said they hope to enjoy their time at the zoo, adding that the animals have done nothing wrong.

A local resident who came with his three children said his kids love animals. He said he was surprised by the news, but the animals appeared as they always do. He added that Asahiyama Zoo remains a symbol of the city.