An aquarium in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, has reopened about six months after a powerful earthquake devastated the region on January 1 this year.
A ceremony was held on Saturday in the city of Nanao to reopen the Notojima Aquarium.
The facility had been forced to suspend operations after its water circulating equipment and pipes were damaged. About 4,000 creatures perished in the quake, including whale sharks that were popular among visitors.
As reconstruction efforts progressed, penguins, sea turtles and other creatures were returned after being evacuated to other facilities.
Aquarium officials say dolphins and sea lions remain at their evacuation sites to avoid being transported in the summer heat.
Until the resumption of shows featuring dolphins and sea lions, a discount admission fee of 1,000 yen, or about 6 dollars, for senior high school students and above is in effect. Younger visitors can enter free of charge.
People with children were seen taking photographs.
A woman visiting with a child said that she is glad the aquarium has reopened as they used to come every month before the quake. She said she wants to see the facility restored to its original state.
Aquarium director Sakaidani Hitoshi says he is happy to see visitors enjoying themselves. He says he and his staff want to do more to restore full operations.