Latest news with #zookeepers
BBC News
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Tributes paid to Telford zoo's 'gentle' ostrich, Jake, who starred in Harry Potter film
An ostrich that appeared in one of the Harry Potter films has died at a Telford arrived at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in 2001 after some time on the set of the Chamber of Secrets, in which he appeared briefly in a classroom zoo said Jake had become ill suddenly, and despite several operations and help from keepers and vets, he was put to sleep on Tuesday."His curious nature, gentle personality, and unmistakable presence made him a highlight of many zoo visits," it said. "It was agreed that the kindest option was to let him go peacefully.""Jake was a huge character and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Thank you to everyone who loved and cared for him over the years."Dozens of people paid tribute to him on social media, sharing memories of visiting said: "This is so sad. I will miss him pecking the fence instead of the food scoop. And him being scared of the red scoop."Another added: "Will always remember how Jake made my boy giggle so hard when he use to peck at the fence after eating his feed." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
CNA
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
'Moo Deng' escapes from Thai zoo in animal safety drill
Scroll up for the next video X 'Moo Deng' escapes from Thai zoo in animal safety drill
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Zoo responds after ‘chonky' leopard goes viral
Malaysia 's National Zoo has defended its treatment of what appears to be a visibly overweight black leopard after a video of the animal went viral on social media. The video posted by a TikTok user showed the male leopard named Apoh lying on his side in his enclosure in Zoo Negara. The video went on to rack up more than two million views and prompted a wave of jokes and memes across social media, with many viewers referring to Apoh as 'chonky' and comparing him to a bear. However, some raised questions about the animal's physical condition and whether it pointed to possible neglect or inadequate enclosure standards. Responding to the comments, Zoo Negara issued a statement in Malay under the original post, saying Apoh was under close supervision by veterinary staff. 'Don't worry, our vet team is taking care of Apoh with love, giving him the best treatment and close attention. They are monitoring Apoh closely and making sure Apoh is okay. We appreciate the words of encouragement given to help Apoh reach his ideal weight,' the zoo said, according to an online translation. In a separate post on 15 July, which the zoo claimed was Apoh's 15th birthday, the zoo said the animal was being given the best care. It added that Apoh was part of the zoo's animal 'adoption' programme, where regular people can help fund his food, healthcare and enrichment. 'Yes, Apoh is looking a little chonky but don't worry! Our dedicated zookeepers and vets are keeping a close eye on him and making sure he gets the best care possible. We really appreciate all your concern and support for helping our animals stay in great shape,' the statement read. The recent footage of Apoh stand in stark contrast from a 2023 video of him, where he looked far more active as well as physically more fit. Zoo Negara has declined to comment. While most people online have been referring to Apoh as a panther, the zoo clarified in an earlier social media post that the term ' black panther ' is a general descriptor for any melanistic big cat, including leopards, jaguars, and pumas. In Apoh's case, he is a leopard whose dark pigmentation masks the characteristic rosette patterns on his coat, making them difficult to see. Social media reaction has been mixed, with some users simply expressing their adoration for the big cat and others warning about the dangers of obesity in captive animals. 'If dangerous why cute?' asked one person. 'Apoh looks like a bear! His chonkiness is oh so super super adorable, but best of luck to the keepers in helping him lose weight and live longer! We hope to see him back in an athletic superhero black panther shape soon!' wrote another.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Zoo defends treatment of ‘chonky' leopard Apoh after TikTok post goes viral
Malaysia 's National Zoo has defended its treatment of what appears to be a visibly overweight black leopard after a video of the animal went viral on social media. The video posted by a TikTok user showed the male leopard named Apoh lying on his side in his enclosure in Zoo Negara. The video went on to rack up more than two million views and prompted a wave of jokes and memes across social media, with many viewers referring to Apoh as 'chonky' and comparing him to a bear. However, some raised questions about the animal's physical condition and whether it pointed to possible neglect or inadequate enclosure standards. Responding to the comments, Zoo Negara issued a statement in Malay under the original post, saying Apoh was under close supervision by veterinary staff. 'Don't worry, our vet team is taking care of Apoh with love, giving him the best treatment and close attention. They are monitoring Apoh closely and making sure Apoh is okay. We appreciate the words of encouragement given to help Apoh reach his ideal weight,' the zoo said, according to an online translation. In a separate post on 15 July, which the zoo claimed was Apoh's 15th birthday, the zoo said the animal was being given the best care. It added that Apoh was part of the zoo's animal 'adoption' programme, where regular people can help fund his food, healthcare and enrichment. 'Yes, Apoh is looking a little chonky but don't worry! Our dedicated zookeepers and vets are keeping a close eye on him and making sure he gets the best care possible. We really appreciate all your concern and support for helping our animals stay in great shape,' the statement read. The recent footage of Apoh stand in stark contrast from a 2023 video of him, where he looked far more active as well as physically more fit. Zoo Negara has declined to comment. While most people online have been referring to Apoh as a panther, the zoo clarified in an earlier social media post that the term ' black panther ' is a general descriptor for any melanistic big cat, including leopards, jaguars, and pumas. In Apoh's case, he is a leopard whose dark pigmentation masks the characteristic rosette patterns on his coat, making them difficult to see. Social media reaction has been mixed, with some users simply expressing their adoration for the big cat and others warning about the dangers of obesity in captive animals. 'If dangerous why cute?' asked one person. 'Apoh looks like a bear! His chonkiness is oh so super super adorable, but best of luck to the keepers in helping him lose weight and live longer! We hope to see him back in an athletic superhero black panther shape soon!' wrote another.
South China Morning Post
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Malaysia falls for Apoh the ‘chonky' black panther
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. The zoo encouraged 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.
