“Lonely Sunfish Revived with Cardboard Cutouts at Japanese Aquarium | Heartwarming Animal Story”
A sunfish at the Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan, has become the center of a heartwarming and unusual effort to combat loneliness. After the aquarium temporarily closed for renovations on December 1, 2024, the sunfish began showing signs of distress. Aquarium staff, puzzled by the sudden change, decided to try something unconventional.
The sunfish, known for its gentle nature, stopped eating its usual jellyfish diet and started rubbing against the tank walls. Initially, staff suspected health problems such as digestive issues or parasites. However, tests ruled out any physical ailments. Left without answers, one staff member suggested that the fish might be feeling lonely without the regular presence of visitors.
In a creative bid to cheer up the sunfish, the team printed cardboard cutouts of people and placed them near the tank. The cutouts included staff photos wearing uniforms, mimicking the appearance of real visitors. The aquarium shared the touching effort on X (formerly Twitter), drawing attention from around the globe. To the staff’s surprise, the fake “visitors” seemed to work wonders.
The very next day, the sunfish’s behavior improved noticeably. It began swimming more actively, waving its fins, and appearing much healthier. Staff marveled at the rapid change, noting that the fish had always been curious and enjoyed interacting with people through the glass. Without the visitors, the sudden solitude had likely caused stress.
The aquarium emphasized the sunfish’s sensitivity in a translated post, stating, “Honestly, we can’t believe it. But the sunfish on display is very curious and would always come to the glass when there were visitors. It may have felt unwell when the visitors suddenly disappeared.”
The Kaikyokan Aquarium plans to reopen in summer 2025 after the renovations are completed. Until then, the sunfish will continue to have its cardboard companions. This story has drawn parallels to a similar incident at Tokyo’s Sumida Aquarium during the 2020 COVID lockdown. In that case, the staff encouraged volunteers to FaceTime with 300 spotted garden eels to keep them engaged and active.
Sunfish are known for their gentle and curious nature. According to National Geographic, these ocean giants often approach divers in the wild and are considered harmless to humans. Unfortunately, their population is vulnerable, as they frequently get caught in fishing nets.
The Kaikyokan Aquarium’s innovative solution highlights the unique bond between humans and marine life. It serves as a reminder of the impact visitors have on the well-being of creatures in captivity. For now, the sunfish is thriving with its newfound “audience,” proving that sometimes, even cardboard cutouts can make a world of difference.
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