World's Saddest Penguin Was Left Heartbroken After Cardboard Was Removed

An elderly penguin has been left heartbroken after a cardboard cutout of a cartoon character it had fallen in love with was taken away to safeguard it from a typhoon.

Grape-kun was pictured slumped in despair after keepers removed the cutout from his enclosure at Tobu Zoo, in Miyashiro, Japan amid fears it could be blown away.

The 20-year-old penguin began an unlikely romance with the cardboard character after being 'dumped' by a female with whom he was coupled with for ten years.

Zoo staff was concerned for Grape-kun after the end of his relationship with Midori, who left him for a younger penguin.

He began spending less time with other penguins, and more time wandering alone, according to staff.

However, Grape-kun's luck changed after a cardboard cut-out of a character from the hit anime series Kemono Friends was installed in the penguin enclosure.