In brief
A sociable sunfish at the Kaikyokan aquarium in Japan faced health issues due to loneliness when the facility temporarily closed for renovations. To comfort the fish, the staff created a display of cardboard human faces and uniforms. This unorthodox approach proved effective, as the sunfish regained its health and behavior shortly after the setup. Social media users have expressed support, recalling their visits and their desire to return once the aquarium reopens.
The Kaikyokan aquarium in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, took an innovative approach to address the health concerns of a lonely sunfish during a temporary closure due to renovations. After a notable decline in the sunfish's appetite and behavior, a staff member suggested that the absence of human visitors could be the cause of its distress. To alleviate this, the aquarium attached photos of human faces to uniforms and arranged them in front of the sunfish's tank, a measure described as a "last resort."Following the introduction of the cardboard friends, the aquarium reported that the sunfish appeared to be in good health and was noticeably more active. The sunfish, which had been seen rubbing its body against the tank and ceasing to eat jellyfish, exhibited improved behavior the next day, happily waving its fins in its habitat.This quirky solution gained considerable attention on social media, with numerous users expressing enthusiasm and sharing past photos and videos of their visits to the aquarium. Many mentioned their intention to see the sunfish again when the aquarium reopens.Sunfish, known to inhabit all the world's oceans, can be found in limited numbers in aquariums due to the specialized care they require. In Japan, they are a delicacy but are also appreciated for their unique personalities. The sunfish at Kaikyokan, measuring approximately 80cm (31 inches) in length and weighing around 30kg (66 lbs), had become quite popular among visitors for its curious nature.This isn't the first time Japanese aquariums have devised creative solutions to care for their animals. During the pandemic, for instance, one Tokyo aquarium organized virtual video calls to engage their eels, responding to concerns about animals suffering from a lack of human interaction. Such efforts highlight the importance of creative thinking in animal care and welfare within the context of changing visitor dynamics.
