Aquariums and zoos that have closed to prevent the new coronavirus from spreading are posting videos and pictures on social media so people can enjoy the animals from home.
Many of the posts contain the hashtag "kyuenchu no dobutsuen suizokan," which roughly means "zoos and aquariums during closures."
Sunshine Aquarium in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, closed March 3 but started posting on its Twitter and other accounts the next day.
A daily video series has featured unusual areas of a sea lion's body, including inside the mouth, the navel and the claws on the back leg.
"It's a chance to show something that people usually don't get to see," said Chieko Ogura, 45, who cares for the animals.
Videos of Asian small-clawed otters and sea lions were particularly popular, receiving endless comments on how cute and heartwarming they are.
"It's sometimes difficult taking the videos, but the comments and responses cheer me up," Ogura said.
Even when the facility is closed, staff provide the same care for the animals. To ensure their daily rhythms are not disrupted, workers maintain the same feeding schedule and continue to practice performances.
In addition to their regular duties, staff are also creating and practicing new performances for the animals, as well as taking pictures and videos for social media.
Having fewer staff on active duty mean those who are on the job are busier than before facilities closed.
"Even so, we want to do whatever we can, as well as we can. It's even more fun for us," said animal feeder Harumasa Ashikari, 43, as he pointed his smartphone at some penguins eating fish.
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