If you ever visit the greenhouse in the Jeanette Goldfarb Plant Growth Facility, you’ve probably seen a goldfish that was way too big for its bowl. Funkii is the last of five feeder goldfish gifted to the greenhouse by former postdoc Junya Zhang. On New Year’s Day, 2022, Junya messaged former greenhouse manager Mike Dyer asking if he could leave his tank of goldfish in greenhouse custody. Junya was moving across the country for a new position and unable to take the fish with him, a real “leave the baby at the firehouse” kind of moment.

“We started with five fish—Funkii, Lauii, Lilacina, Ghostbuster, and Chi-Chi. They were in a completely empty tank, and we immediately emotionally bonded to them. We gave them decor and love. When we said good morning to them they waved back!” former staff member Hammy Sorkin explained.

After a few years, tank upgrades, and tragedies, only Funkii survived. With no competition for food, this little 10 cent feeder fish grew so large that staff had to perform daily water changes to keep the tank clean. The fish looked sad, lonely, and bored.

Greenhouse Horticulturist and Director of GPS (Goldfish Protective Services), Michael Stephan, says “After years of therapy, Funkii realized that solitary confinement was not good for them. Greenhouse staff was also suffering from extreme guilt over their singular existence.”

Another WashU staff member located friends with a pond willing to add Funkii to their family of five goldies, and Funkii was re-homed on July 8^th, 2025. Funkii immediately began socializing and eating with new friends. Stephan warns of unannounced home visits to ensure Funkii’s safety and well-being in their new foster home. If all goes well, they will take up permanent residence in this posh new pond in a South Hampton back yard. We wish Funkii all the best in life’s next journey!