They say opposites attract - but a penguin and a piece of paper? Despite being the most unlikely couple in the world, one penguin and one cardboard cut-out have fallen hopelessly in love.

Grape, a male Humboldt penguin, currently resides at the Tobu Zoo in Miyashiro, Japan. In recent weeks, zoo staffers have observed Grape becoming amorous towards a cardboard cut-out of an anime character that was installed in the penguin enclosure.

The 20-year-old penguin began the unlikely romance after being 'dumped' by Midori, a female penguin with whom he was coupled with for nearly ten years.

She's mine! Grape, a 20-year-old Humboldt penguin in a Japanese zoo, has fallen head over flippers for this cardboard cut-out of an anime character

Tough love: Grape was recently dumped by Midori, his girlfriend of almost ten years - leaving him morose and lonely

On the rebound: Once the cut-out, whose name is Hululu, was installed in the penguin enclosure, zookeepers began noticing Grape spending more and more time nearby

Unfortunately, the course of true love never does run smooth, and Midori left grape for a younger male penguin.

Zoo staff was concerned for Grape, as the end of his relationship with Midori left him visibly morose. He began spending less time with other penguins, and more time wandering alone.

Then, as if by fate, a new lady entered Grape's life. As part of a cross-promotion between the Tobu Zoo and the hit anime series Kemono Friends, a cardboard cut-out of one of the characters was installed in the penguin enclosure.

The character, Hululu, is a petite girl wearing a short dress with a penguin-like pattern and headphones. While Hululu is a minor character on the popular cartoon, she has certainly taken center stage in Grape's heart.

It wasn't long before zookeepers began noticing that Grape was spending more and more time staring at the cut-out.

A representative of Tobu Zoo told BuzzFeed News that, 'Grape has definitely started going to that spot since we installed [the cutout]'.

They added: 'He might have mistaken it for staff, but it's certain that he goes there because he's attracted to something.'

Grape's true feelings were all but confirmed when he was observed standing before the cut-out with his wings outstretched and his beak pointed up; this stance is a courtship ritual in the penguin world, and an indicator that Grape could be ready to take his relationship to the next level.

A viral sensation: Grape's love story has grown so popular in Japan, he was even visited by the voice actress who plays the character of Hululu

Meet Hululu! While other penguins have been spotted spending time near the cut-out, Grape clearly has more amorous intentions

Star-crossed lovers: Hululu's cut-out is slated to be removed on June 25, meaning that Grape's latest love will be short - but oh so sweet

After news of Grape's new romance hit the internet, he became a viral sensation in Japan.

Even Ikuko Chikuta, the voice actress who played the role of Hululu in the Kemono Friends cartoon, visited the zoo and posed for pictures with a thrilled-looking Grape and his cut-out friend.

Things took a more dramatic turn when a photo of grape standing behind a net sparked a rumor that the lovelorn penguin was so enamored with his new beau that he had stopped eating and had to be forcibly separated from the cut-out.

A Tobu Zoo representative told Anime News Network that these rumors were false, and that the net is put up daily after the park closes to ensure the penguins's safety. Still, there is no denying the powerful connection between penguin and paper.

Alas, it appears this adorable penguin's love life may be in for yet another unfortunate twist. As the cut-out is part of a promotion that is scheduled to end on June 25, it is likely that Hululu will be gone from Grape's life just as quickly as she came.

Perhaps zookeepers will make a special exception and keep Hululu around for Grape's sake - or perhaps the elderly penguin will part from his love amicably, and treasure their special, if fleeting, time together.