A video of an overweight black leopard at Malaysia's National Zoo has gone viral on social media, prompting the zoo to defend its care of the animal. The clip, posted on TikTok, shows the male leopard named Apoh lying on his side in his enclosure, amassing over two million views.
Social media users quickly dubbed Apoh 'chonky' and compared him to a bear, sparking a wave of jokes and memes. However, some questioned whether the leopard's size indicated neglect or inadequate enclosure standards. Zoo Negara responded in a statement under the original post, assuring the public that Apoh is under close supervision.
'Don't worry, our vet team is taking care of Apoh with love, giving him the best treatment and close attention,' the zoo said in Malay, according to an online translation. In a separate birthday post on 15 July, the zoo reiterated that Apoh receives optimal care and is part of their animal adoption programme, where members of the public can contribute to his food, healthcare, and enrichment.
Recent footage contrasts sharply with a 2023 video showing Apoh more active and physically fit. The zoo clarified that Apoh is a leopard, not a panther, explaining that 'black panther' is a general term for melanistic big cats. Social media reaction remains divided between adoration and concern over obesity in captive animals.
