Innovative Aquarium Comforts Lonely Sunfish with Cardboard Friends

Kaikyokan aquarium in Japan has creatively addressed a sunfish's health decline caused by loneliness during a renovation closure by introducing cardboard cutouts of human visitors. After implementing this "last resort," the fish's condition improved significantly, delighting staff and social media supporters.

In an innovative move to address a sunfish’s health issues caused by loneliness, a Japanese aquarium has introduced cardboard cutouts of human faces, bringing a unique solution during its temporary closure for renovations. The Kaikyokan aquarium located in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi prefecture, posted photographs on its X account, showcasing the sociable sunfish interacting with the life-sized representations of human visitors, which staff believe have eased the fish's stress.

Described as a "last resort," the aquarium turned to this odd solution after noticing a decline in the sunfish's health following the renovation closure, which began in December. Reports indicated that the sunfish had stopped eating its usual jellyfish and was seen rubbing its body against the tank. While some staff initially suspected parasitic or digestive ailments, one member suggested the possibility of loneliness due to a lack of visitors.

Encouragingly, after the cardboard figures were introduced, the aquarium announced that the sunfish appeared to be in good health again, displaying signs of happiness such as "waving its fins." This socially responsive creature, measuring approximately 80cm long and weighing about 30kg, had only arrived at the aquarium a year earlier and would often swim toward guests approaching its tank.

The story has captured the hearts of many on social media, with users sharing affectionate memories and photos from past visits. Several expressed their eagerness to return to the aquarium once it reopens.

Kaikyokan is not alone in taking creative measures for its animals' wellbeing. During the pandemic, other aquariums, such as one in Tokyo, organized video call events for aquatic life, highlighting a growing trend of innovative solutions for accommodating animal welfare when human interaction is limited.