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Forget Monkey Punch: The Internet Falls for Jimothy, a Strikingly Round Raccoon

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The internet has found a new favorite: Jimothy, a round-shaped raccoon discovered in Seattle.
  • Jimothy has a genetic condition called short spine syndrome, causing his unusual, spherical appearance.
  • Despite his condition, veterinarians confirm Jimothy appears healthy and resilient, inspiring many online.

Following the internet's adoration for the cute monkey Punch, a new star has emerged: Jimothy, a raccoon with a distinctly round form, wandering through Seattle. A genetic condition gives the animal a unique appearance compared to its peers, which has only amplified its popularity online.

I saw a gray, fluffy being shaped like a ball with very long legs. I initially thought it was a monkey or a lemur.

— Kiana HallKiana Hall described her first encounter with the unusual raccoon she later named Jimothy.

Kiana Hall first noticed the peculiar creature during a walk in Seattle. "I saw a gray, fluffy being shaped like a ball with very long legs. I initially thought it was a monkey or a lemur," she recalled. Hall filmed the animal and posted the short video on Instagram, asking for identification. The internet quickly became fascinated, with speculation ranging from a new type of Bigfoot.

With the help of her followers, Hall soon identified the animal as a common raccoon affected by a genetic disorder. The condition, known as 'short spine syndrome,' is also seen in dogs. It causes an extremely short spine, leading to a more rounded back and a less visible neck, explaining Jimothy's remarkably spherical shape.

He just looked like a Jimothy.

— Kiana HallKiana Hall explained the origin of the name she gave to the round-shaped raccoon.

Hall named the endearing creature "Jimothy," stating, "He just looked like a Jimothy." This simple naming, combined with the unusual appearance, was enough for the video to go viral. New footage has since surfaced, including a widely shared clip of Jimothy as a young raccoon.

He appears healthy and looks lively.

— Marcie LogsdonVeterinarian Marcie Logsdon commented on the health and apparent well-being of the raccoon known as Jimothy.

Veterinarians assure that Jimothy seems to be doing well. Marcie Logsdon, a veterinarian and lecturer at Washington State University, told The Seattle Times that the raccoon appears "healthy and looks lively." While some believe the animal has been around for years, Logsdon estimates, based on the footage, that the raccoon is at most a year old. "The fact that he has reached this age shows that he can cope and adapt. I was surprised and, frankly, a little inspired by his resilience," she added. This resilience is precisely what has made Jimothy an internet sensation, though Hall offers a simpler explanation: "I think it's just because he's round and a funny little guy. People just need something quirky and fun in their lives right now."

The fact that he has reached this age shows that he can cope and adapt. I was surprised and, frankly, a little inspired by his resilience.

— Marcie LogsdonMarcie Logsdon expressed admiration for the raccoon's ability to thrive despite its genetic condition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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