Meet Apoh: the ‘chonky’ panther captivating the Malaysian internet
The 15-year-old black panther’s portly appearance has made him an unexpected social media star at the National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur
Apoh the “chonky” panther relaxes at Malaysia’s National Zoo in this screengrab of a social media video. Photo: TikTok/znmzoonegara
Malaysia’s internet has fallen in love with Apoh, a black panther at the National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur whose portly figure has prompted both laughter and reassurance from zookeepers.
Apoh the “chonky” panther relaxes on a log at Malaysia’s National Zoo. Photo: TikTok/znmzoonegara
Apoh celebrated his 15th birthday on Tuesday, but it was last week that he shot to online fame after a visitor shared a 15-second TikTok clip of the panther rolling onto his back, his belly prominently displayed. A text overlay in Malay asks the zoo to explain how Apoh got “so chonky and cute”.
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.”
Apoh bares his teeth while yawning and stretching in a still from the zoo’s social media video. Photo: TikTok/znmzoonegara
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.
The birthday post drew a wave of lighthearted well-wishes and relieved amusement from viewers, with some noting how Apoh appeared more alert in the zoo’s own footage.
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“When visitors record him, he’s always fast asleep, but when the zoo records him, he looks fine,” one commenter quipped.
Others playfully remarked on how well-fed the animals seemed – perhaps “a little too well,” as one put it.
Apoh isn’t alone. A health ministry report in April found that one in three Malaysian children were overweight – the same as nearly half the adult population, according to official figures.
“Oyen” the cat pictured in the zoo’s capybara enclosure in 2023. Photo: YouTube/Free Malaysia Today
Malaysia’s National Zoo has gained viral attention before. In 2023, an orange domestic cat was spotted living among capybaras, enticing visitors eager to see the unusual animal pairing.
The zoo embraced this feline presence, even putting up a sign that read: Capybara and Oyen. “Oyen” is a beloved Malaysian nickname for orange cats, often characterised as mischievous and a little reckless.
