In an unconventional bid to improve the wellbeing of a sociable sunfish that missed its human visitors, the Kaikyokan aquarium in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi prefecture, has introduced cardboard cutouts of people dressed in uniforms. This unusual decision was made as a "last resort" to address health concerns that arose following the aquarium's temporary closure for renovations. Staff at the aquarium noted that the sunfish had stopped eating jellyfish and began exhibiting stress-related behaviors, such as rubbing against the tank.
Lonely Sunfish Finds Comfort in Cardboard Friends During Aquarium Renovation
Lonely Sunfish Finds Comfort in Cardboard Friends During Aquarium Renovation
A Japanese aquarium's innovative approach helps a sunfish cope with loneliness, signaling a new trend in animal care.
After the cardboard cutouts were implemented, staff reported that the sunfish appeared to regain its vitality, engaging in more active behavior, such as waving its fins in recognition of the new "friends." The aquarium shared its success via an update on X, stating, "It seems to be in good health again!" The initiative to attract attention and provide stimulation for the sunfish has drawn widespread support on social media, with many users reminiscing about their past visits and promising to return when the aquarium reopens.
The case of the sunfish highlights growing awareness about the mental health of animals in captivity. Such concerns have driven aquariums globally to adopt creative solutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, an aquarium in Tokyo arranged video calls for its eels to bridge the gap left by a decrease in human visitors.
Sunfish, which are found in all the world's oceans, have unique care requirements that often make them a rare sight in aquariums. The Kaikyokan sunfish, weighing nearly 30 kg and measuring 80 cm in length, has a personality that staff describe as curious and friendly toward visitors. As efforts to enhance animal welfare continue to evolve, the success of the Kaikyokan's cardboard companions may encourage other facilities to consider similar approaches for the emotional health of their animals.
The case of the sunfish highlights growing awareness about the mental health of animals in captivity. Such concerns have driven aquariums globally to adopt creative solutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, an aquarium in Tokyo arranged video calls for its eels to bridge the gap left by a decrease in human visitors.
Sunfish, which are found in all the world's oceans, have unique care requirements that often make them a rare sight in aquariums. The Kaikyokan sunfish, weighing nearly 30 kg and measuring 80 cm in length, has a personality that staff describe as curious and friendly toward visitors. As efforts to enhance animal welfare continue to evolve, the success of the Kaikyokan's cardboard companions may encourage other facilities to consider similar approaches for the emotional health of their animals.
