Imagine spending thousands of dollars to live out your dream of being a dog. Sounds bizarre, right? Well, that’s exactly what one man, known as Toco, did. The YouTuber forked out an eye-popping $14,000 to purchase a realistic Border Collie suit, and for a while, he truly lived the life of a dog—crates, agility courses, and all. Now, Toco is taking his unique passion to the next level by opening a “zoo” where visitors can pay to live their own animal dreams, too.

From Dog Suit to Zoo: The Journey Begins

Toco’s unusual adventure began when he decided he wanted to feel like a dog—not just in spirit but in body. In his quest to “become” a Border Collie, he invested in a highly realistic dog costume. It wasn’t just about wearing the suit—Toco embraced the lifestyle, even tackling an agility course to prove he could move like a true dog.

His love for animals and desire to transform into one stemmed from childhood dreams, and after living as a dog himself, he thought, “Why not make this a reality for others too?” This idea led to the creation of Tocotoco Zoo—a place where people can live out their fantasies of becoming an animal.

The Tocotoco Zoo: A Dream Come True for Animal Lovers

Located in Japan, Tocotoco Zoo opened its doors on January 26, 2025, offering a truly unique experience. At the zoo, visitors can wear mascot-like animal costumes and become their favorite animals for a day. While the concept is undeniably unusual, it’s also an intriguing way for animal lovers to experience life through a different lens.

Currently, the zoo only offers the opportunity to transform into an Alaskan Malamute, a breed known for its large, wolf-like appearance. The cost of wearing the Malamute suit for a morning or afternoon? A hefty $250. It’s not a casual drop-in either—you’ll need to book your spot at least 30 days in advance, and be warned: those with “stiff muscles” may have trouble getting into the suit.

The real star of the show, Toco’s own Border Collie suit, isn’t available for public rental. But why the choice of a Border Collie in the first place? Toco has explained that he chose the breed because of its realistic design and because he has always loved animals that walk on four legs, especially cute ones. The long hair of a Border Collie was also perfect for hiding his human body, giving the costume a more authentic look.

Toco, a YouTuber who spent $14,000 to live his dream of becoming a Border Collie by wearing a realistic dog suit, has now taken his passion to the next level by opening Tocotoco Zoo in Japan. At this unique zoo, visitors can rent mascot costumes and “become” animals for a day. The zoo currently offers the chance to transform into an Alaskan Malamute, with rentals costing $250 for a morning or afternoon session. Toco’s Border Collie suit, however, isn’t available for public use. His venture combines childhood dreams with a quirky business idea, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for those eager to live out their animal fantasies.

A New Way to ‘Become an Animal’

While some might find Toco’s venture odd, it’s clear he’s following a lifelong dream and creating a space for people who share his unusual passion. The idea of becoming an animal—whether for a day or longer—allows visitors to embrace their love of animals in a hands-on, immersive way.

Toco’s zoo is a one-of-a-kind concept that mixes childhood imagination with the ability to experience something truly unique. As strange as it may sound, there’s no denying that this animal-inspired fantasy is drawing attention and sparking curiosity from around the world. Whether you’re a fan of mascots or just looking to explore a quirky new experience, Tocotoco Zoo might just be the place to unleash your inner animal.