Number of visitors increase to see Oyen in Zoo Negara

KUALA LUMPUR - The presence of 'Oyen' the viral ginger cat which became buddies with the capybara rodents has boosted the arrival of visitors to Zoo Negara to over 3,000 people over the weekend.

Zoo Negara vice president Rosly@Rahmat Ahmat Lana said Oyen, who is now the 'Star of Zoo Negara', has gained extraordinary popularity following its unique friendship with the capybaras over the past three years.

"Every day, 95 per cent of the visitors are here just to see Oyen. He is very popular. In fact, the arrival of visitors also doubled, especially during weekends," he said.

He said this to reporters here today after the installation of Oyen's official sign in front of the giant capybara rodent enclosure in conjunction with World Cat Day which is celebrated on Aug 8, every year.

According to him, the new signage replaces the previous signage which was damaged when it was accidentally kicked by visitors.

In the meantime, Rosly said his team intends to find a partner for Oyen so that the species has litter in the future.

Rosly said the zoo will also take care of the cat's well-being, including giving it nutritious food in addition to monitoring its health.

"Compared to before, Oyen is now docile and approachable. Our purpose is to be close to Oyen so that if one day Oyen falls ill, it will be easy for us to hold and give him treatment," he said.

The friendship between two animals of different species has become a new attraction at Zoo Negara after a video showing Oyen, a stray cat hugging a capybara while sleeping, went viral on social media. - BERNAMA