The online otaku community mourned for the loss of Grape-kun, a popular penguin that won the hearts of Kemono Friends fans at Tobu Zoo this year.
The penguin passed away on Thursday according to the zoo staff and has thanked everyone for supporting Grape-kun as well as the Kemono Friends character Hululu the Humboldt penguin. Grape-kun grew an attachment to a cardboard cutout of Hululu when it was added to his area for a collaborative event.
The staff wrote that they are thankful to Hululu for watching over the penguin until its last breath. It was revealed that Grape-kun had to be removed from its home due to health reasons. He was 21-years-old and Homboldt penguins can only live until 25 years.
Fans have also expressed their condolences as well as creating personal online tributes to Grape-Kun which you can see some below:
Rest in Peace, Grape-kun
Source:Anime News Network