Melaka Zoo to welcome new black panther after 12 years

AFTER a dozen years of waiting, the Melaka Zoo family is now preparing to welcome a new member to a group of six black panthers. Zoology unit head Azman Ghazali said that Seri, an 8-year-old female black panther, was around three months’ pregnant and was expected to give birth next month.

“All preparations have been made, including constant monitoring by her doctor and caregiver.

“We have transferred her to the back area to reduce interruptions and provide comfort for her.”

Azman said the quiet atmosphere, without the presence of visitors during the Movement Control Order, had provided the space for Seri and other panthers to express their natural behaviour, including mating. He said the change in the animals’ behaviour could be seen since the end of last year, especially when four out of the six black panthers at the zoo had been showing mating behaviour.

Since then, doctors and zookeepers had been monitoring the animals, and their long wait paid off when Seri was found to be pregnant.

Azman said Seri, who is paired with Kiki, a male panther of the same age, was in good condition and calm, but was more sensitive to her surroundings.

Her appetite had increased and she had been given additional food and vitamins, he said.

The zoo would also welcome a calf from a 15-year-old giraffe called Ros, as well as a sun bear, he added.

“Both have been isolated and the staff are monitoring them.”