Hokkaido's Asahiyama Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in Japan. One of its most captivating winter attractions is the sight of penguins energetically walking through the snow. Recently, a piece of "snow art" from the zoo has become a hot topic on social media, bringing smiles to everyone's faces. It's the distinct imprint of a penguin's body left in the snow, aptly named the "Pen-taku" (Penguin Print). Let's take a look at this heartwarming and adorable sight.

The photo shows the clear imprint of a penguin's body left in the fluffy, fresh snow. It looks as if a small penguin stretched out its body and flopped right into the snow, leaving a perfect outline. The photo garnered comments on social media like, "That's just too cute!" and "You can just imagine how much fun they were having!"

A "Penguin Print" Made by an Energetic Young Penguin

Diving straight into the fluffy snow!

This photo was taken by Shirasaki, a penguin enthusiast. It was captured on January 2, 2026, at Asahiyama Zoo, after the famous winter event, the "Penguin Walk." After the walk, a penguin threw itself onto the fresh snow, leaving behind this distinct imprint. Upon seeing this, Shirasaki thought, "It's not a 'gyotaku' (fish print), but a 'pen-taku' (penguin print)!"

According to Shirasaki, the creator of this "Pen-taku" was a young Gentoo penguin (a subadult) born last year. It was so full of energy that it was apparently "leading the charge at the front of the Penguin Walk."

When you visit Asahiyama Zoo in winter, you might be lucky enough to spot a "Pen-taku" yourself! Be sure to keep an eye out.