Penguin Reviews: A Culinary Disappointment

At the Hakone-en Aquarium in Japan, the penguins have voiced their displeasure by posting a two-star Yelp review regarding the recent changes to their menu. Alongside their otter companions, the penguins expressed their dissatisfaction with the new offerings. The aquarium has made these adjustments in response to rising costs and supply chain challenges, which have notably affected the quality of mackerel served to them.

One long-time resident penguin was taken aback by this unexpected change, especially since staff did not inform them about the new menu items. During a brief conversation with the protesting penguins, it became clear they were unhappy.

Previously, the penguins enjoyed a delectable variety of Japanese horse mackerel, but the current selection has shifted to a more basic type of mackerel that lacks flavor. Rico, a particularly vocal penguin, lamented, “These mackerel aren’t fresh and lack the delightful aroma we once savored. I suspect they’re swapping our beloved fish for the sushi served in their bento boxes.”

The penguins were taken aback by the aquarium staff's insistence on serving them the inferior mackerel. Many simply let the fish fall from their mouths onto the floor, while one penguin disdainfully turned away, walking off with his beak held high in indignation. How could they dare offer him such low-quality food?

Meanwhile, the otters were seen tossing the inexpensive mackerel around their enclosure, showing a complete lack of interest in eating it. One otter remarked, “I have no idea why they think we’d enjoy playing with these fish; my friends and I certainly won’t be eating this junk.”

Fortunately, the aquarium staff has realized their error and has resumed feeding the original Japanese horse mackerel to the disgruntled animals. However, the penguins and otters remain cautious, as there are plans to mix the cheaper mackerel with the premium kind in hopes of tricking their discerning palates.

In a conversation with Skipper, the penguin who posted the Yelp review, he expressed his discontent with the aquarium’s excuses regarding inflation and supply chain issues for the poor-quality mackerel being served. He stated that if given the chance, he would never return to the aquarium for meals. And honestly, who could blame him? I wouldn’t dine there either; receiving raw fish from unwashed hands is far too close for comfort when it comes to sushi.

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