Horror Flora

When the first kaiju outbreaks occurred, humanity’s immediate reaction was to try and exterminate the giant creatures as quickly as possible.  This course of action proved to be rather unfeasible, however, and eventually an alternative solution was proposed by noted kaiju scientist Dr. Wilhelmina Lerna: the kaiju sanctuary.  Most kaiju, it turns out, are willing to stay out of humanity’s way when given an environment that suits their needs.  For those that are a bit more prone to wandering, various technologies such as sonic lures have been used to keep them from straying too far from these colossal nature preserves.

By the end of the Atomic Time of Monsters, many kaiju sanctuaries were established, including:

Typhon Island – a large island in the Pacific surrounded on most sides by large, sharp rocks that serve as a natural barrier, Typhon Island was the first kaiju sanctuary to be established, and was used to test whether or not the concept was feasible.  The island is connected to and in fact an extension of the Yamaneon tunnel system,  which is why it is covered in flora adapted to fit the scale of its monstrous residents.  While primarily used to house kaiju from the Western coast of the Americas, specimens from other continents were shipped over to the island during its early testing phase as part of the international nature of the experiment.  Notably, Typhon Island’s research staff have actually trained many of its residents to keep the island stable.  Established in 1956.

The Siberian Monster Zone – originally a hastily walled off section of the Siberian wilderness that was meant to temporarily quarantine kaiju, the U.S.S.R. used Dr. Lerna’s research to transform it into a proper kaiju sanctuary.  The Siberian Monster Zone is unique both for its immense size and for being on the mainland, as most kaiju sanctuaries are placed on islands in hopes of keeping them isolated.  Despite the problems its location and size present, the Siberian Monster Zone has worked fairly well ever since adopting the international kaiju sanctuary protocols.  Established in 1956.

Echidna Island – Close in proximity to Typhon Island, this smaller landmass is used to deal with kaiju whose biology, behavior, and/or psychology are in need of rehabilitation, i.e. the problem children of the kaiju world.  Though its security measures are even more strict than is normal for a kaiju sanctuary, the facilities on Echidna Island are dedicated to helping its monstrous residents find some measure of peace in their violent, turbulent lives.  Established in 1959.

Ogasawara Kaiju Sanctuary – The largest of the island sanctuaries, this archipelago is dedicated to housing the enormous kaiju population of Japan, a nation that has been disproportionately ravaged by kaiju given its small size.  Despite colossal number of inmates, this is one of the most advanced and successful sanctuaries, rivaling even Typhon Island in its ability to keep its residents peaceful and content.  Established in 1960.

The Wells-Verne Kaiju Sanctuary – Built in the Atlantic Ocean, this is the largest kaiju sanctuary in Western Europe, and houses the majority of the kaiju that have sprouted up in that region.  Wells-Verne has one of the largest populations of aquatic monsters, thanks both to its enormous freshwater lake and the many mountainous islands and rocks surrounding it, which have been used to corral its saltwater loving residents.  Established in 1961.

Fitzgerald Island – Located in Lake Michigan, this small kaiju sanctuary was originally meant to be a temporary setup, with the plan being to move its early residents to Typhon Island once resources permitted.  It actually worked out well enough to be established as a sanctuary in its own right, and has proven to be a viable option for the many kaiju to pop up in the more landlocked regions of North America.  Established in 1963.

Bunyip Park Reserve – This small Island in the South Pacific is the primary kaiju sanctuary of the Australian continent, and houses some of the strangest monsters to emerge from both the sea and the outback.  Established in 1964.

Challenger Mesa – An enormous mountain pushed up by the Superquake of 1954, the Challenger Mesa is covered in Yamaneon-infused vegetation that makes it a perfect habitat for kaiju, and its location deep within the Amazon rainforest, combined with the natural barrier provided by its steep walls that stretch several hundred feet above the ground, made it a unique but perfect location for a kaiju sanctuary.  Established in 1964.

Bermuda Kaiju Sanctuary – Located on an island in the Atlantic Ocean that is a comfortable distance away from Central America, the Bermuda Kaiju Sanctuary is neither the largest nor the most famous, but does hold a record for having the fewest breakout attempts and other strange incidents.  Established in 1965.

Jotunheim Icefield – An expansive field of ice in Antartica, this kaiju sanctuary has very few living inmates, as not many kaiju are comfortable in the desolate environment.  It is, however, used to keep kaiju who have been put into suspended animation for one reason or another, most of which are considered exceedingly dangerous even by kaiju standards.  The Jotunheim Icefield is not a standard kaiju sanctuary, and some have even lobbied to have it shut down for being an “unnecessary and cruel” method of containment.  Established in 1966.