Today, I wish for a moment of silence for a brother.
----
Grape-kun was a Humbodt Penguin raised in Tobu Zoo in Japan.
On April of 2017, the zoo ran a small promotional event for Kemono Friends by putting cutouts of some of the characters in the enclosure of their corresponding species, including Hululu-chan the Humboldt Penguin Friend.
Within a couple of days, it was noticed that Grape-kun, who had been abandoned by his old mate some years back in favor of a younger male, was seemingly entranced by Hululu-chan. He would spend all day sitting at her feet, refusing to interact with the rest of the flock and often forgoing meals. The zookeepers had to start fencing Grape-kun away from Hululu-chan during the night, for worry that he might otherwise waste away or slip and fall in the pool when not supervised.
When the promotional event was concluded, spectator sympathy ensured that Grape-kun was allowed to stay together with Hululu-chan afterwards, and he was with her for every moment he was allowed.
Grape-kun was an old penguin, at age 20 he was just past the typical life expectancy of his species, and was not expected to continue much longer.
That said moment has come; on Oct 10th, Grape-kun collapsed and had to be taken in by the vet, on the night of Oct 12th, he quietly passed away.
Rest in Peace little buddy, and thank you for teaching us all that the heartbreak and struggle against 3DPD, and the yearning for the perfect love of 2D animal/monster girls, is felt by other species as well.
May you find happiness and companionship in the Hereafter.
May we all.