A video of Riku and Yuki, two Hokkaido raccoons living at Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo, running towards a zookeeper as soon as they spot him has gone viral. Be sure to be soothed by their adorable behavior...

It's the zookeeper, the zookeeper, the zookeeper! Woohoo!!!

Quoted from @tncthme's post

The two animals became restless when they sensed the door opening. Then, as soon as the door opened, they dashed towards the zookeeper. It was a sight that brought a smile to my face as they rubbed against me and hopped around at my feet.

As soon as this adorable scene was posted on X, it received over 30,000 likes and many comments such as "So fluffy and cute," "So excited," "Looks like a puppy," and "All I can say is how cute."

Why a "raccoon-loving poster" from Aichi Prefecture is visiting Hokkaido

Riku (left) and Yuki (right) photographed on the same day

Riku and Yuki were rescued in Memuro Town, Tokachi, in 2020 and raised at Obihiro Zoo. Since joining Maruyama Zoo in 2021, they have become extremely popular thanks to their adorable appearance. When we spoke to a zookeeper at Maruyama Zoo about their behavior, he said, "They are excited because they think they will be able to eat food." This isn't just limited to the evening feeding, but they always behave like this during feedings, either when they don't have food or when they have eaten a certain amount and are satisfied, and then they leave.

This is Riku's photo taken on the same day.

The person who posted this video is an anonymous resident of Aichi Prefecture. She loves raccoons and traveled all the way from Aichi to Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo to meet Riku and Yuki. When we spoke to her, she said, "I loved An-chan at Obihiro Zoo and I've been to Hokkaido many times." An was Riku and Yuki's "foster parent." She lived at Obihiro Zoo, but unfortunately passed away in April 2024. However, to Anonymous, An will "always be my idol."

Bean paste (left) and candy (right) at Obihiro Zoo

"I hope that through this video people will learn more about the cuteness of Hokkaido raccoon dogs," said Anonymous. Riku and Yuki are happily spending the day at Maruyama Zoo. If you visit Sapporo, be sure to go and meet these two adorable animals at Maruyama Zoo.