Interest
Grandpa Grape-kun's Zoo Event Jeopardized Due to Health
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
The Tobu Zoo's Humboldt penguin Grape-kun is in his twilight years at 21-years-old. Yet, he won the hearts of visitors and netizens after a love affair between the penguin and a cardboard cut-out of Humboldt penguin from Kemono Friends emerged during a collaboration campaign. The penguin developed a fan following that analyzed perceived courtship displays by Grape-kun and wrung their hands when the collaboration ended and it seemed the two would be separated.
Instead, the zookeepers kept the two together except for a brief stint during a recent typhoon. The zoo also announced it is organizing a "Fall Grape Festival" event for fans on November 11 and November 25. Posters announced new Grape-kun, YMD, and NMT goods. YMD and NMT are two of the penguin zookeepers.
Unfortunately, Grape-kun's health has taken a turn for the worse and he was taken off display along with his beloved cut-out. Keepers will return Grape-kun to his enclosure based on when his health recovers. Fans shared supportive artwork on the Tobu Zoo Twitter account.
グレじい、はやく元気になってね pic.twitter.com/JG40uOKQRq
— キムチ('▽') (@momo_kimuchi008) October 11, 2017
どうかお大事に。早く良くなる事を祈ってます。(画像は過去に描いたものですが...) pic.twitter.com/KGBV5lifka
— WOLFRUM (@4everfruit) October 11, 2017
— trxy (@Trexyu) October 11, 2017
[Via Otakomu]
