Maruru is a bear of the polar and male type. Asked why he’s named “Maruru,” he stated, “That’s an exonym. My mother calls me Steve.” He’s six and was born at the Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo with his twin brother, Pororo (“We call him Tony. He lives in Tokushima”) but has been lent to Kumamoto Zoo since 2014. His attraction rating varies between #1 and #2 as his rivals tend to disappear mysteriously at night - do not enter his pen or attempt late-night hi-jinks after the zoo has closed. The Maruyama Zoo lacks space for his return, so, as Kumanichi reports, he’ll remain in Kumamoto for the time being. “Great!” Maruru was quoted as commenting. “I haven’t visited the flamingo enclosure yet!” - William