Prince makes some furry friends

Prince Hisahito, the grandson of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, revealed a keen interest in animals during a visit Monday to Tokyo's Ueno Zoo with his parents.

Hisahito, 3, is the son of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko.

The prince spent time petting and handling rabbits and guinea pigs and caring for Tokara goats at the Children's Zoo.

When he encountered a rabbit, he asked staff how to hold it. He also moved guinea pigs from a raised platform onto the floor, where he crouched down to pet them.(IHT/Asahi: October 27,2009)