Oita: Pair of Armadillos Stroll Around Aquarium to Keep Weight

Yashiko, one of two armadillos kept by Umitamago aquarium, walks inside the facility in Oita on May 9.
14:14 JST, June 1, 2024
OITA — A pair of armadillos kept at an aquarium in Oita regularly take walks inside the building, delighting visitors.
The six-banded armadillos are around 5 to 6 years old and walk around the Umitamago aquarium as a way to get some exercise. One is a female named Yashiko, and the other is a male named Yoichi. The caretakers hope that they can maintain a weight of six kilograms.
Videos and pictures of them strolling by large water tanks and by the feet of visitors have become popular on social media.
Of the two, Yashiko is gentle and laid-back and does not mind if people touch her.
“The body was warm when I touched it,” said a 27-year-old woman from Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture. “I was surprised that its skin felt like a tatami mat. It was a precious experience.”
Caretaker Takashi Kozaki said, “I will be glad if they have children sometime in the future.”
"Features" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Ueno Park Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom in Tokyo; About 800 Trees Present ‘Overwhelming Beauty’
-
Mid-20th Century Shopping Street in Tokyo Soon to be Demolished; Shops, Atmosphere Evokes Nostalgic Feelings
-
Cherry Blossoms in Full Glory at Japan’s Takato Castle Park; Deep Red Flowers Blooming on About 1,500 Trees
-
‘Cherry Blossom Tunnel’ Opens at Osaka Mint Bureau
-
Giant Cherry Blossom Tree Resembling Waterfall Draws Visitors to Fukushima Pref. Town; Tree Believed to be Over 1,000 Years Old
JN ACCESS RANKING