Do you remember the time when we created cute toys from coconut shells or mango and other fruits pits as part of art and craft?
Well, this has turned into a bizarre trend as young people in China have taken it to another level as they are keeping mango pits as pets.
Liu, a 19-year-old university student from Tianjin, a northern Chinese port city has two special pets called Da Mao and Er Mao, but they are not the typical pets. They are "mango pit pets"! Yes you read it right. These are seeds from mangoes that Liu takes care of like her own babies. She even keeps a "mango pit diary" on Xiaohongshu, which is like the Chinese version of Instagram, where she records their growth and changes.
Liu has noticed some interesting things as her mango pits grow. At first, the hair on the pits feels dry and prickly, but over time, it becomes soft and comfortable to touch. The colour of the seed also changes from yellowish to white.
Another person, Xiaomeng, also raises mango pit pets. They say it's crucial to pick the right kind of mango to get the best pit pet. Taking care of these "pets" is quite a task. It involves washing, brushing, and giving them some sunlight to prevent mold. Some people even use hair dryers to make the hair fluffy or apply aloe vera gel to the seed.
Liu loves her mango pits so much that she affectionately calls them her "daughters." She believes they are the perfect pets and a cheaper alternative to having hamsters. She even mentioned her roommate is raising a hairy mango companion too, though it's not as good-looking as hers, reported ChinaTimes.
Many other Chinese people have also shared doing similar thing. So, are you in for the idea to keep pits as pets?
Also watch: Spaniards walking unusual pets to beat lockdown!