A black panther at the National Zoo of Malaysia, affectionately dubbed “chonky” by netizens, has gone viral on social media, drawing a mix of concern and amusement. A 15-second TikTok clip showing the animal rolling lazily in its enclosure has racked up over 2.2 million views, igniting debate over the animal’s health and care.
Viral Clip Shows Resting Panther
The video, posted by TikTok user @oldmonkeyalkaff, features the unusually large panther sprawled on the grass in its enclosure, rolling from side to side in a relaxed manner. Captioned, “Can Zoo Negara please explain why this black panther is so chonky and cute?” the post quickly captured public attention.
Public Concern Over Possible Obesity
While many users commented on the panther’s perceived cuteness, others raised concerns about its weight, suggesting it could be a result of overfeeding or lack of physical activity.
One viewer speculated that the enclosure may be too small, possibly preventing the panther from getting adequate exercise. Others expressed worry that the animal’s weight could lead to long-term health problems.
Jokes and Pop Culture References
The internet, however, also responded with humor. Some users joked that the panther might have eaten its zookeeper or that it was a person in a costume. One user quipped that the animal had abandoned “Wakanda Forever”, the famous phrase from the Marvel movie Black Panther, in favor of nasi kandar, a popular Malaysian dish.
Zoo Responds: Panther Is Under Veterinary Supervision
In response to the viral post, Zoo Negara addressed public concern in a comment on the video. The zoo confirmed that the black panther, named Apoh, is under the careful watch of their veterinary team.
“Don’t worry, our vet team is taking care of Apoh with love, giving him the best treatment and close attention,” the zoo wrote. They added that steps are being taken to help Apoh achieve his “ideal weight.”
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Engagement
The zoo emphasized that its staff continue to monitor Apoh closely and appreciate the public’s interest in his well-being. While some online urged increased transparency about the animal’s health status and environment, others called for patience, trusting the professionals involved.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about animal care in captivity, especially concerning diet, enclosure size, and enrichment for large predators.
