During this Covid-19 period, zoos are trying different ways to liven up the atmosphere, such as bringing animals around on their own little tour.

However, one zoo in Shizuoka, Japan manages to make the experience better for their visitors in particular.

A sea of capybaras and red pandas

At a restaurant in Izu Shaboten Zoo, stuffed animals (particularly capybaras and red pandas) are placed on the seats and tables.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAc13pLDYQ5/

And they come in various sizes.

人間よりもカピバラさんが多い pic.twitter.com/xrawiZ2JDe

— もっち (@Morcasan18) May 21, 2020

But these stuffed toys don't just serve as cute decorations.

They are placed on alternate seats so visitors can practice safe distancing.

Social distancing ambassadors

The zoo also provides a handy guide for visitors to see how far apart they should distance themselves.

And of course, they had to use zoo animals for measurement:

According to the guide, visitors should be standing two metres apart, which is roughly either two capybaras, two anteaters, or six fennec foxes.

Why capybaras?

The Izu Shaboten Zoo is known for their capybaras, and even have one as their mascot.

The zoo was also the first to invent hot baths for capybaras.

Adorable.

Top Images by @chacha0rca | Twitter and パンフレット - Japan Brochure | FB.