Meet Oyen, Zoo Negara’s famed capybara cat

 

From stray to star: adorable Oyen has found a happy ending with the largest rodents in the world. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

KLANG: In Malaysia, the word “oyen” is used to describe ginger-coloured cats, and is believed to derive from the word “orange”.

One Oyen, in particular, has been making headlines locally and internationally since he found a home at Zoo Negara among a herd of capybaras.

If you grew up watching cartoons of Tom chasing Jerry, video footage of Oyen cuddling or taking a snooze with capybaras may just change your thinking about the relationship between a cat and mouse. After all, capybaras are the largest species of rodent in the world!

It is, therefore, unsurprising that Oyen has garnered his fair share of fans, both locally and internationally. The bright spotlight on Zoo Negara has been timely given that its income had been impacted during the pandemic.

 

In a conversation with FMT Lifestyle, Zoo Negara deputy president Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana described Oyen as a “star of Zoo Negara”, and shared that “90% of visitors want to see Oyen”.

In fact, in June, the zoo even placed signage with the word “Oyen” at the capybara enclosure, further stamping his status as a resident of the national zoo!

Oyen enjoying some kibble while his capybara family munches on vegetables. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

According to Rosly, Oyen first appeared at the zoo in 2020 and is believed to have been abandoned there. Sadly, he was not the only one: Rosly shared that there had, indeed, been an increase in the number of cats dumped at the zoo during the pandemic.

The zoo authorities decided to feed these cats as they didn’t have the heart to turn them away. But they also have to monitor the health of these newcomers to ensure they don’t pose a threat to the other animals.

You may actually come across some of these cats when you walk around the zoo. Fun fact: besides Oyen, it is said there are four others who have taken to living with the giraffes and tortoises here!

Curiously, Oyen has not formed a friendship with these other felines, preferring instead to stay close to his rodent family.

‘That was a good meal… now, where’s a good spot for a snooze?’ (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Rosly thinks of Oyen’s relationship with the capybaras as similar to that of a “mother and child”, as the adorable ginger has been seen rubbing his head against them – a sign of affection in the cat world.

When it comes to humans, however, Oyen remains cautious and does not allow anyone to hold him. Nevertheless, Zoo Negara curator Mahat Mohamed has been making progress. “We want to hold him so we can monitor his health,” Rosly explained.

Having risen to celebrity status, the clever kitty has grown accustomed to the throng of visitors at his enclosure. “He seems to understand. When visitors take photos, he even knows how to strike a pose,” Rosly said with a laugh.

And while recently there had been news of a second cat spotted in Oyen’s enclosure – leaving many wondering if Oyen had “competition” – Rosly added that the other cat was only seen for one day.

Both children and adults clamour to catch a glimpse and take photos of Oyen. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

As for the future, Rosly revealed: “I am planning to suggest to my committee to find a partner for Oyen to ensure continuity.”

The criteria for Oyen’s “future wife”? She must be ginger-coloured like him!” So, can Oyen fans look forward to little Oyens at Zoo Negara in the future? Only time will tell!

During FMT Lifestyle’s tour around the zoo on Friday, it was hard to miss the larger crowd at Oyen’s enclosure. Children were excitedly saying “Oyen! Oyen!”, while adults could be heard affectionately talking about him.

The enclosure itself is a serene spot surrounded by greenery, with a pool and elevated dais, as well as an enclave beneath. This was where Oyen was once spotted snoozing with the capybaras as they waited for the rain to stop – an adorable moment that warmed many hearts.

Oyen’s daily schedule includes taking naps after eating – a purr-fect life indeed! (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Also on Friday, he was spotted enjoying a meal with his capybara family: kibble for Oyen and vegetables for the rodents!

And because there is nothing more luxurious than taking a nap after a meal, Oyen proceeded to settle in for a nice snooze in the cool afternoon weather.

It’s said that Oyen has a playful side: he occasionally jumps into piles of leaves that his keepers have painstakingly swept. He and the baby capybaras also enjoy chasing one another – a true game of cat and mouse indeed!

Although he didn’t indulge visitors in any fun poses that day (hey, when a cat has to sleep, a cat has to sleep), that didn’t stop his fans from taking photos of him.

And today, on International Cat Day, Zoo Negara will officially launch Oyen’s signage at the enclosure, replacing the previous sign with a new one. It’s certainly a befitting honour for a feline who has helped his new home in its time of need.

Head on over to Zoo Negara to see if you can spot Oyen, but don’t be too disappointed if you don’t – like your typical cat, Oyen comes and goes as he pleases. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

A stray turned star, Oyen has found a purr-fect happy ending. Yet, there are many other strays who are not as lucky.

Perhaps, Oyen’s story serves as a poignant reminder that every life matters, and that one cat, when given a chance, can make a profound difference.

Finally, if you’re looking for a fun-filled activity with your loved ones, how about paying Oyen, his capybara family, and other animals at Zoo Negara a visit?

Zoo Negara
Jalan Taman Zooview,
Taman Zooview,
68000 Ampang, Selangor

Opening hours: 9am-5pm (daily)

Contact: 03-4108 3422

- FMT