Visitors to a Chinese zoo were in for a surprise recently when they spotted a black panther that seemed to defy expectations. Rather than the sleek, graceful predator one might imagine, this particular panther had a belly that dragged nearly to the ground, causing many tourists to believe they had wandered into the hippo section.
The video footage, taken this week at the Chengdu Zoo in Sichuan Province, shows the black panther waddling gingerly around her enclosure, each step carefully measured to avoid scraping her oversized stomach on the dirt. The pudgy feline’s movements appeared slow and calculated, as she tried to navigate her enclosure with grace despite her large frame.
A Surprise Reveal: Not Pregnant, Just Overfed
At first glance, onlookers speculated that the panther might be pregnant due to her noticeable girth. However, it turns out that the zoo’s feeding habits were the true culprit behind her plump figure. According to zoo officials, the panther’s handlers admitted that she had been overfed, leading to her current condition.
In an effort to address the issue, a handler from the zoo told local media, “We are reducing the amount of food! We will start by reducing the beef and other things.” This adjustment aims to help the panther shed some weight and return to a healthier state.
Despite the overfeeding, the panther, who is 16 years old, remains a source of amusement and fascination for visitors. The zoo revealed that her prime years are behind her, noting that she is now in her “Sweet 16.” The zoo also confirmed that the male panther at the zoo is 20 years old, with failing body functions and metabolism, which further explains the panther’s aging and changing body.
The Internet’s Reaction: A New Star is Born
As the video went viral, many found humor in the situation, comparing the oversized panther to Garfield, the iconic cartoon cat known for his love of food. While her size might have drawn attention, the panther’s bashful behavior also captured the hearts of viewers. She attempted to seek refuge behind a tree to escape the constant attention from the crowd, but her ample size made it impossible to hide.
For now, the black panther at the Chengdu Zoo continues to be a source of fascination for tourists, who have come from near and far to witness this rare, larger-than-life feline. As the zoo adjusts her diet, visitors are eagerly waiting to see if she can return to her more nimble, wild self in the coming months.
Whether it’s her humorous waddle or her larger-than-life personality, this black panther has quickly become a star at Chengdu Zoo.
