In 2023, a Japanese man known as Toco fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a dog by commissioning a hyper-realistic Collie costume, which cost him approximately £11,000. This custom-made suit allowed him to embody a Collie, and he began sharing videos of his transformation on social media platforms. His content quickly gained attention, with many viewers initially mistaking him for a real dog due to the costume’s authenticity.
Building upon this unique experience, Toco decided to offer others the opportunity to explore their own animal identities. In October 2024, he announced the launch of Tocotoco Zoo, a facility located in Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. Unlike traditional zoos, Tocotoco Zoo provides visitors with the chance to don realistic animal costumes and experience life from an animal’s perspective.
The zoo officially opened its doors on January 26, 2025. Currently, the primary offering is an Alaskan Malamute costume, designed to fit individuals between 4 feet 11 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall. Each session lasts for 180 minutes and is priced at ¥49,000 (approximately £250). Reservations are required 30 days in advance to ensure availability and proper fitting. For those interested in sharing the experience, group sessions are also available, accommodating up to three participants per booking.
Toco’s inspiration for creating Tocotoco Zoo stems from his childhood desire to become an animal. He recognized that others might share this unconventional aspiration and wanted to provide a space where they could safely and comfortably explore it. The zoo aims to expand its range of available costumes in the future, potentially including animals like pandas. However, due to size constraints, smaller animals such as cats or foxes are not currently being considered.
Since its opening, Tocotoco Zoo has attracted a diverse clientele eager to immerse themselves in this unique experience. Visitors have praised the quality of the costumes and the opportunity to engage in activities that allow them to fully embody their chosen animal. Toco continues to share updates and visitor experiences on his social media channels, fostering a community for those interested in this distinctive form of expression.
For more information or to make a reservation, prospective visitors can visit the official Tocotoco Zoo website. As this venture continues to grow, Toco remains committed to helping others realize their dreams of experiencing life as an animal, even if only for a few hours.