Now this is what you call a cuddly joy – a seal that is clearly smitten with a lookalike soft toy.

Kind zoo keepers gave Hiyori the beanie seal as a gift and it has been a flippin’ huge success.

The furry toy looks just like a mini-me of Hiyori, who seemed in seventh heaven, playing with it, hugging it close and giving the teddy a piggy-back ride.

It was almost as though the toy was Hiyori’s own pup.
The smitten seal just can't hide the smiles (
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SWNS)
Hiyori just loves his new pal (
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Hiyori even loves kissing his new friend (
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SWNS)

The cute pictures were tweeted by staff at Mombetsu Land , an attraction in Japan’s Hokkaido district, and had notched up 1,600 shares and 2,400 likes.

One thing is for sure – Hiyori will be blubbering if mini-me ever gets lost.
Hiyori the seal just can't resist a cuddle (
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SWNS)
Hiyori loves giving the cuddly mini-me a ride on his back (
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SWNS)
Hiyori the seal with a seal plush toy at Mombetsu Land (
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SWNS)