Penguins may not be your typical household pet, but for one Japanese family, their rescued King penguin, Lala, became an unforgettable household member.
In the 1990s, Lala gained international attention when journalists sought to interview the family, and Real TV created a short documentary about him. Living in a small Japanese village, Lala’s unique situation captured hearts worldwide.
Lala was around ten years old in 1996 when the documentary was made. The King penguin enjoyed the comforts of an air-conditioned room and the freedom to explore his village’s streets. His love for visiting the local fish market led to his family teaching him a remarkable skill.
He couldn’t stay away after Lala’s first visit to the market. The family decided to equip him with a tiny backpack and teach him how to buy fish independently. Lala’s solo shopping trips quickly became a delightful sight for the village residents.
But how did this extraordinary story begin? Lala was found caught and injured in a fishing net. The compassionate family took him in, nursed him back to health, and formed a strong bond with the penguin.
As Lala grew attached to the family and showed no desire to leave, they decided to keep him and ensure he had a comfortable life, even if it was unusual for a penguin.
Although Lala has since passed away, the memories of this charming King penguin continue to bring joy to those who knew him and heard his story.
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