There are innumerable anime out there that focus on the beauty of romance, but the greatest of these love stories was actually grounded in reality with a penguin named Grape-Kun. Grape-Kun, an elderly Humboldt penguin, took the internet by storm when he met the love of his life in the form of Kemono Friends character Hululu. Though the pairing might be unusual, it struck a chord with anime fans all across the globe.

An image of Grape-Kun and his cardboard waifu blew up along with the story of their relationship. Sadly, the dear penguin ed away from illness months after their relationship began in 2017. Though the story of Grape-Kun is a few years old, it's still beloved today as fans express their iration for the avian otaku. Grape-Kun was so beloved that a memorial was quickly erected shortly after his ing.

Grape-Kun Fell Head Over Heels For A Cardboard Cutout

In April 2017, in an effort to attract visitors, Tobu Zoo installed cardboard cutouts of anthropomorphic characters from Kemono Friends in the exhibits of their corresponding animals. Staff did not expect them to gain attention from more than just guests. They soon realized that Grape-Kun, the lonely Humboldt penguin rejected by his colony, was spending all of his time with the cutout of Hululu. He stared at her, slept near her, and tried to climb up the tall rock where she was placed. Keepers had to physically separate the two so Grape-Kun would eat. When he started performing courting dances for her, the world was convinced he'd fallen in love.

Zoo staff and internet denizens alike embraced the unconventional romance with open arms. The couple inspired huge collections of fan art, Grape-Kun got to meet Hululu's voice actress Ikuko Chikuta, and Tobu Zoo made plans to put on a festival in the little penguin's honor. In a Tweet, Chikuta said "Thank you to everyone who came to the talk show! Thank you, Mr. Yamada and Mr. Grape 🐧✨" Visitors flocked from all over to catch a glimpse of Hululu and her irer. But this love story soon came to a heartbreaking end. Grape-Kun fell ill and, already old for his species, ed away in October. The world mourned, and he was soon immortalized in the form of a new cutout, featuring the devoted penguin alongside his beloved.

Grape-Kun's Story Resonated With Anime Fans Across the World

Many people dream of one day finding their true love, and for Grape-Kun the Penguin, that dream came true. What started off as a meme about a lonely bird becoming an anime fanatic soon turned into a romance for the ages. The devotion he showed to his unconventional mate brought joy to many. Though their time together was short, the odd couple touched the hearts of people worldwide and was immortalized in the internet's Hall of Fame. Viewers may war over what they think is anime's greatest romance, but Grape-Kun and Hululu's story will hold the crown for a long time to come.