Popoko

(POE-poe-koe)

The popoko is unique in that it is the only organic pet to come not from Subeta, but from Atebus! The first popoko were discovered quite by accident - a group of these rowdy little rodent-like creatures had hitched a ride on a shuttle from Atebus to Subeta, and the travelers had quite the surprise when they found popoko cuddled up among their belongings! This lead to an expedition on Atebus to find more of these creatures - and suddenly, it seemed like popoko were everywhere. They especially seemed to enjoy the area around the Ikumoradeekanox and Pina Park, and they had no trouble adapting to similar areas on the Subetan main land as well.

Popoko are small, about 5-6 pounds (2.2-2.7 kg), and they are quick! They can dash from tree to tree to bush to ground and back up to a tree before your ruffie even has a chance to think about catching one. A group of popokos is called a frenzy, and they are often found in frenzies throughout the parks all over Subeta. Popokos do not mate for life, but rather just by chance, and a litter contains anywhere from 4-8 blind, hairless, and deaf tiny kittens, called popolings. They grow rapidly, and after just a few weeks are ready to leave their nest and start making trouble of their own. They prefer to eat nuts and seeds, though they will also eat grains, grasses, and the occasional bug. They nest in trees, using hollow tree cavities and even the occasional abandoned fester nest.

Popokos have been kept as pets for hundreds of years on Atebus, and they have found popularity on Subeta as well. They are quite intelligent for their size, and they can be taught a variety of tricks with the right reward - usually food! Popoko love to hide items in their cheek pouches, only to bring them to their owners later as a sign of trust and friendship - so if you are missing your shiny set of keys or new bracelet, never fear. Chances are your popoko will deliver it to you later! Wild popokos are even known to throw acorns and nuts at people in parks - not as a sign of aggression but rather as an attention mechanism to get people to play with them. Sadly, this does not work in their favor as much as they would like, but one thing you will rarely see is a discouraged popoko!