Go Tokyo Your Experience
Thailand pygmy hippopotamuses horses in fierce competition with kangaroo idol groups
Recently, the Thai pygmy hippopotamus “Bouncing Pig Moo Deng” has quickly become a global internet sensation with its unique charm and humorous style, becoming a new animal star. However, in Japan, there is also a new idol force rising in the animal kingdom, which is the “Kangaroo Boy Band.”
Unlike the solo charm of the “Bouncing Pig,” kangaroos have sparked heated discussions online through teamwork, resembling an idol group, with a momentum that is no less than that of current popular stars.
The Rise of the Kangaroo Boy Band
The “Kangaroo Boy Band” is located in the Hirakata Animal World, in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. This place has the largest population of kangaroos in Japan, with a natural environment and excellent breeding conditions. The zoo area houses four species of kangaroos, including the red kangaroo, the eastern grey kangaroo, the wallaroo, and the antechinus, with a total of about 250 individuals.
Recently, a zookeeper from Hirakata Animal World released a hilariously amusing photo. In the picture, the kangaroos are lined up neatly, resembling an idol group debuting, with perfect positioning, and one even took the “C position,” showcasing its strong biceps. This scene quickly went viral online, with the related tweet receiving over 300,000 likes and more than 12 million views, with the popularity of the kangaroo boy band rivaling that of the “Jumping Pig.”
Kangaroos are naturally endowed with idol-like charisma.
Unlike typical animal stars, the kangaroo boy band showcases a multifaceted charm of being both cool and adorable. They sometimes stand majestically, other times playfully tussling; whether facing the camera or interacting with visitors, they exude confidence and elegance. The keepers from the world of wildlife often share the daily lives of the kangaroos on the official X (formerly Twitter). The kangaroos can appear cool and stylish at times, or cute and playful at others, and fans unwittingly find themselves drawn to these natural idols, becoming part of the “kangaroo pit.”
Not only that, kangaroos are also “experts” at posing for photos. When tourists or staff pick up a camera, kangaroos often display very natural expressions, as if they instinctively know how to present their best angles in front of the lens.
Interpretation of animal personality and behavior
Kangaroos are crepuscular animals, and their active times are usually in the morning and dusk. Because of this, it is common to see kangaroos in high spirits and full of energy during the evening.
During this time, their interaction frequency and activity levels greatly increase, even leading unfamiliar visitors to mistakenly think they are fighting. Caregivers also specifically explain that the “play fighting” of kangaroos is not a conflict but normal social behavior.
Although kangaroos may seem rough and strong, their behavior can sometimes show unexpected elegance and gentleness. In particular, the interaction between mother kangaroos and their young often touches the hearts of visitors, showcasing the warmth of the animal world.
Interactive experience: Close encounters with kangaroos
The Oklahoma Animal World provides visitors with the opportunity to get close to kangaroos. There are two fixed time slots each day: from 11 AM to 12 PM and from 1 PM to 3 PM, during which visitors can walk into the kangaroo habitat and interact with these lovely animals. Besides watching the kangaroos play in their daily routines, if you’re lucky, you might see a small kangaroo inside a mother kangaroo’s pouch, witnessing the birth and growth of new life.
All of this experience comes with a nominal entry fee. The adult ticket price is 300 yen (with additional charges for other activities). Compared to traveling all the way to Australia to see kangaroos, the Oklahoma Animal World offers a more convenient option for kangaroo enthusiasts in Kyushu.
Whether it’s Thailand’s “Jumping Pig,” the pygmy hippopotamus, or Japan’s “Kangaroo Boy Band,” they all showcase a unique charm in the animal kingdom. These animal stars not only bring joy and laughter to people but also, through their special behaviors and personalities, help us better understand and love the life in nature. In the future, perhaps more animal idols will rise, continuing to bring endless surprises and touches to people.