Videos of the animal — noticeably overweight — have gone viral, with viewers expressing both amusement and concern
KUALA LUMPUR: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 26th, 2025) An overweight black panther at a zoo in Malaysia has become an unexpected sensation, drawing both astonishment from visitors and sparking debate on social media over animal care and welfare.
The rare black panther, known for its striking dark coat, speed, stealth, and agility, is typically regarded as one of the most graceful and powerful creatures in the wild. However, the panther at the Malaysian zoo has defied that image. Videos of the animal — noticeably overweight — have gone viral, with viewers expressing both amusement and concern.
The panther, named Apoh, has become a talking point on various platforms, with some social media users poking fun at its size by comparing it to a bear, while others criticized the zoo authorities for allowing the animal to reach such a condition.
The video has sparked a larger conversation about the health and care of captive animals.
In response to the public reaction, the zoo administration issued a statement explaining that Apoh is 15 years old, which is beyond the average lifespan of black panthers in the wild, typically ranging from 10 to 12 years.
According to officials, Apoh is fed 2.5 kilograms of meat daily along with multivitamins as part of a routine designed to maintain his health in old age.
“Apoh remains active within his enclosure. He can often be seen climbing trees or resting on rocks,” a zoo spokesperson said. “He is under constant observation by our veterinary team and receives regular medical check-ups to ensure his well-being,”.
The zoo emphasized that Apoh’s condition is not the result of neglect, but rather a combination of age-related factors and controlled feeding in captivity. They reassured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to care for the aging animal.
