KUALA LUMPUR: Zoo Negara faced a flash flood lasting over an hour yesterday.
Zoo Negara vice-president Rosly@Rahmat Ahmat Lana said the flash flood, which started at 5pm, though significant, was less severe than previous incidents, with all animals remaining safe.
"During the incident, our staff had not yet returned, but they were well-prepared for the potential flooding.
"All our animals, except for one capybara that briefly escaped, have remained secure and were swiftly returned to their enclosures by our staff.
"Our two pandas are also unharmed, as they are in elevated areas," he told Harian Metro when contacted today.
Regarding the cleanup operations, Rosly mentioned that work to address the aftermath of the flash flood was carried out throughout the night.
"Zoo Negara's restoration efforts continued until 11.30 pm. I would like to express my gratitude to the fire department and the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council for their invaluable assistance.
"Without their support, the cleanup would not have been completed on time," he said.
Rosly also confirmed that the zoo is open today and is operating normally.
A TikTok video capturing the incident has gone viral, attracting significant attention.
The video, shared less than 24 hours ago by TikTok user @bosyakuza_2207, has already gained 319,300 views.
In the brief 16-second video, the water level is clearly visible, rising to about the height of a person's calf.
NST has reached out to Zoo Negara's Public Relations department for additional comments.