Yashiko, one of two armadillos kept by the Umitamago Aquarium, walks into the complex 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 through the facility, delighting visitors.
The six-banded armadillos are about 5 to 6 years old and walk around the Umitamago aquarium to get some exercise. One is a female named Yashiko, and the other is a male named Yoichi. The caregivers hope that they can maintain a weight of six kilograms.
Videos and photos of them strolling past large water tanks and at the feet of visitors have become popular on social media.
Of the two, Yashiko is gentle and laid-back and doesn’t mind people touching her.
“The body was warm when I touched it,” said a 27-year-old woman from Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture. “I was surprised that the skin felt like a tatami mat. It was a valuable experience.”
Caretaker Takashi Kozaki said: “I will be happy if they have children in the future.”
