Fans bid farewell to Toba Aquarium sea otter - NHKニュース

Visitors to an aquarium in central Japan have bid farewell to Kira, a popular female sea otter. The 18-year-old animal died on Thursday.

Kira was born at a Wakayama Prefecture theme park in 2008. She was transferred to the Toba Aquarium in Mie Prefecture in 2021, joining Mei, another female sea otter. The two used adorable gestures that earned popularity among visitors.

With the death of Kira, 22-year-old Mei is the only sea otter in captivity in Japan.

A number of people formed a line in front of a message board for Kira when the aquarium opened on Saturday. They wrote farewell messages on sticky notes in the shapes of three of Kira's favorite foods, including squid.

One reads, "You gave me happiness." Another says, "Thank you for keeping me going, and I will always remember you."

A boy from Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, said that he liked to watch Kira eating food, and that he wants her to eat what she wants to in heaven and stay healthy.

An official at the aquarium said that the staff are glad to see so many people writing messages for Kira. He said that Kira was incredible as she helped convey the charms of sea otters to people.

The aquarium plans to keep the message board in place until December 20.