Penguin dies next to cardboard cut-out he 'fell in love with'

Grape became attached to the cardboard cut-out figure
Tobu Zoo
Harriet Pavey16 October 2017

A penguin that became an internet star after developing an unusual affection for a cardboard anime character has died with the cut-out by his side.

Grape, who was 21-years-old, hit the headlines earlier this year after he grew attached to the cut-out of an anthropomorphic female penguin.

The elderly Humboldt penguin touched hearts around the world when he was constantly pictured standing next to Hululu, a character from the series Kemono Friends.

Grape lived at Tobu Zoo in Miyashiro, Japan and is said to have become attracted to Hululu after being rejected by female penguin Midori, who he had been courting for ten years.

His feelings appeared to be so strong that zoo staff left the cut-out character in the enclosure despite the promotion it was placed there for ending many months ago.

Grape had been spotted performing courtship rituals alongside Hululu, stretching out his wings with his beak pointed upwards.

When she was briefly removed from the enclosure during a typhoon, Grape was said to be visibly distressed.

The Tobu Zoo confirmed the penguin’s passing on Friday, writing on Twitter:

“The Humboldt penguin Grape-kun passed away yesterday. Sincere thanks to everyone for supporting him until now.

“Thank you also to Hululu, who watched over him until the very end. And thank you, Grape-kun, for all this time. Rest peacefully in heaven.”

Twitter users marked Grape’s passing with a flurry of memes and artwork celebrating his relationship with Hululu.

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