Toco the ‘human collie’ who lives in $16K dog suit may be forced to close his human ‘zoo’
Other people don’t share his interest in pet-amorphosis.
Toco the “human collie” may have to shutter his bizarre people “zoo” just months after opening because it has received “no bookings.”
“If we do not receive any reservations by Saturday, April 19, we will close the store,” the collie cosplayer, who lives in Japan, lamented in an X post, Jam Press reported.
Known only as Toco, the Lassie masquerader went viral in 2023 after dropping more than $16,000 on a hyperrealistic custom collie suit to realize his dream of becoming man’s best friend.
He quickly took the world by storm, amassing over 60,000 followers on YouTube, where he frequently posts footage of himself going for walks, performing tricks and frolicking with other humans in sheepdog costumes.
Jam Press/@toco.ev
Hoping to help others go to dog heaven, Toco opened the Tokotoko Zoo, where people can follow suit by spending over $300 to don a lifesize Alaskan Malamute costume with jaws that can open and close.
Billed as “a place where your wish to become an animal comes true,” the Tocotoco Zoo opened in Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo.
The role-playing paradise was initially a hit, taking bookings for months in advance due to its popularity.
But it appears that the novelty has since worn off.
Toco explained on X that the human zoo will close in June, so interested parties should make bookings in April and May.
He added that spots are still open for May 4, but if no reservations come in by this weekend, he’ll have to scrap the event.
“If you are thinking about trying it out, please make a reservation!” pleaded Toco in the post, translated from Japanese by Google, whose imitation doggie daycare also has an opening on April 27 as well.
As of yet, only cash is accepted for this experience, which lasts 180 minutes and can include up to three participants.
It’s unclear whether other payment methods or animal costumes will be available in the furry future — if there is one.
