Japan police probe man over wife in zoo incinerator: Reports
This photo taken on Feb 7, 2020 shows spotted seals swimming in a water tank at the Asahiyama zoo in Asahikawa, northern Japan. (File photo: AFP/Yasuyoshi Chiba)
TOKYO: Police were questioning a man in Japan on suspicions he disposed of his wife's body using an incinerator at a zoo he works for, local media have reported.
Investigations were still ongoing and the Asahiyama Zoo, closed since earlier this month as part of regular preparations for the summer season, delayed its reopening, slated for Wednesday (Apr 29).
The employee at the zoo on the northern island of Hokkaido, who is in his 30s, reportedly was questioned voluntarily over the disappearance of his wife.
He told investigators that he had used the zoo's incinerator - meant to dispose of waste and animal remains - to burn her body "for a few hours", local media reported this week.
"The police are currently conducting an investigation, and our facility will fully cooperate," the zoo said in a statement on Wednesday.
The zoo will instead resume its business on Friday, it added.
