The city zoo in Itikawa, Japan, has seen a sharp increase in visitor numbers, which have doubled in recent months. This phenomenon is linked to the story of a Japanese macaque named Panti, who has gained popularity through social media, according to information from RIA Novosti.
Panti, who was abandoned by his mother and instead has a stuffed orangutan toy as his "mom," has captured the attention of internet users since February. His adventures on the zoo's page have garnered millions of views — from being chased by a group to moments when he complains about his "mom" or hangs on the legs of staff trying to replace his toy with a newer one.
A zoo representative confirmed that the number of visitors has significantly increased, especially on weekends: "Compared to a typical year, the number of guests on weekends and holidays has doubled," he noted, commenting on the impact of Panti's popularity on attendance.
Moreover, the media interest in Panti is such that to contact the zoo's press secretary, one must join a virtual queue, with a waiting time of several days.
