Malaysia falls for Apoh the ‘chonky’ black panther
The 15-year-old black panther’s portly appearance has made him an unexpected social media star at the National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur
The video attracted thousands of comments, with many likening him to an overweight house cat rather than a majestic jungle predator.
This viral moment stood in stark contrast to earlier footage from 2023, which showed a leaner, more muscular Apoh prowling confidently around his enclosure.
“Yes, Apoh is looking a little chonky, but don’t worry!” the zoo reassured people in a TikTok post. “Our dedicated zookeepers and vets are keeping a close eye on him and making sure he gets the best care possible.”
The zoo said it welcomed the public’s concern and encouraged supporters to contribute to Apoh’s care by joining its animal adoption programme, which helps fund food, medical attention and general upkeep.