Grape-kun left our world two years ago, but he has not left our hearts.
16 April 1996 - 12 October 2017
Grape-kun was born at Hamura Zoo in Tokyo in 1996. He was named because of the color of the purple ring placed on his wing for identification; the word "kun" is a Japanese honorific usually used when speaking to younger males. It is also commonly used for male pets. Along with his mate, Midori, he was transferred to Tobu Zoo in 2007. After a decade-long relationship, Midori later left him for a younger penguin, which led Grape-kun to become isolated from the other penguins.
In April 2017, Tobu Zoo placed 60 cutouts of characters from the popularĀ animeĀ seriesĀ Kemono FriendsĀ around the grounds to attract visitors.Ā The cutout placed in Grape-kun's enclosure, Hululu, was anĀ anthropomorphicĀ Humboldt penguin. Grape-kun would stare at the cutout for hours, going as far as trying to reach the cutout, which was placed on a tall rock.Ā Zookeepers had to separate Grape-kun from the cutout for part of the day so he would eat.Ā Media outlets described Grape-kun as having fallen "in love",Ā and the zoo created a drink called "Loving Grape" described as a "perfect embodiment" of the penguin's relationship with his love.
Grape-kun's devotion to the cutout earned him fame and a global fan base on the Internet.Ā Hululu's voice actress, Ikuko Chikuta, visited Grape-kun as part of an educational event on penguins.Ā A festival honoring Grape-kun was planned, but his health began to decline in October. The zoo announced his death on October 12.Ā Zoo personnel created a small shrine in his honor, and several guests visited the penguin enclosure with flowers.Ā Social media users paid tribute through theĀ hashtagĀ #grapekun, and many posted illustrations of Grape-kun and Hululu. In January 2018, Tobu Zoo placed a new cutout in the penguin enclosure, featuring Hululu and an illustration of Grape-kun standing side-by-side.
(Text source: Wikipedia)
