The red panda "Futa" from Chiba Zoological Park, which has gained popularity as it stands up on two legs, has been treated for illness this month and has been in good health for the first time in about five months.
It is said that Futa, who is old, rarely stands up anymore, but there are fans who are still trying to convey the charm of Futa to posterity.
Futa, a red panda bred at the Chiba Zoological Park in Wakaba-ku, Chiba, has gained nationwide popularity as it stands up on two legs with its back straight.
The release was suspended from December last year to treat dental diseases, but on the 10th of this month, it showed a healthy appearance for the first time in about 5 months.
It means that you can see them moving around actively in the morning and evening.
About Futa, who has finished treating her illness, Yasuo Mizukami, a zookeeper at Chiba Zoological Park, says, "I move around a lot, and when I'm tired, I'm asleep and I'm in very good shape."
However, Futa turned 18 on July 5th, and is over 80 years old in human terms.
It means that the weakened muscles have almost eliminated the appearance of standing as before.
There are fans who continue to convey the charm of Futa.
This is Shiho Nakano (42), who is the representative of the citizen group that supports Futa.
Mr. Nakano lives in Tokyo, but rented a room in an apartment in Chiba City to attend the Chiba Zoological Park where Futa is.
Mr. Nakano, who is a fan of red pandas, puts red panda goods collected at zoos nationwide in this room and uses them as an activity base to convey the charm of Futa.
Since forming a civic group to support Futa nine years ago, we have been cooperating with Chiba Zoological Park to carry out guided tours of red pandas and produce goods.
Regarding Futa, who became well after the treatment for his illness, Mr. Nakano said, "I had both a desire to see you soon and a desire to take a rest. I'm glad I was able to return earlier than I expected."
It is said that the red panda is in danger of extinction due to the effects of environmental destruction, but Futa, who will soon be 18 years old, has eight children, and 69 offspring including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and yashago. ..
Some of them are bred together at the Chiba Zoological Park, and Mr. Nakano, who has been observing Futa for over 10 years, is now writing a book about the Futa family.
In the four-frame manga, when Futa is eating while hiding an apple, Chichi, who was a partner who stands proudly and eats apples, is mistaken for Futa, and comically conveys the daily life of the Futa family. ..
Mr. Nakano aims to publish this book and wants to convey the charm of Futa to posterity.
Mr. Nakano says, "I want many people to know that Futa is not only an image of a standing idol, but also an interest in red pandas and a contribution to the preservation of seeds. I want Futa to be a person who can be talked about by introducing Futa's children and grandchildren. I want him to continue to live in good health and live longer without overdoing it. " ..