Alpaca Found In Cramped Pen In M’sia Mall Sparks Animal Abuse Allegations

What was meant to be a fun petting zoo event at Ampang Point Shopping Centre has ended in controversy and closure because of a stressed out and sad-looking alpaca.

The backlash began when a mall visitor called out event organisers on the spot after noticing the young alpaca left alone in a small pen, with no visible food or drinking water.

“This should be stopped. They should not be allowed to be kept in the mall. It’s such a small cage. Doesn’t mean you leave food here, and it’s going to stay here all night. There is also no water,” said Threads user @krizzkatriel in a now-viral clip.

The video also saw the creature was seen immediately drinking when offered water in a bucket.

Alpacas require seven to 18 litres of water a day, depending on the weather.

Another video shared by Threads user @_qistinasarah showed the animal appearing overwhelmed in the tight enclosure.

“I’m so sad seeing this alpaca kept in a small cage at a mall, having to deal with people literally screaming in its ears,” @_qistinasarah wrote, adding that such events should be banned.

As photos and videos circulated across social media, netizens accused the mall of animal abuse disguised as an educational attraction.

In response, Ampang Point Shopping Centre issued a statement clarifying that the alpaca was only present during weekend sessions and was not housed on-site permanently.

However, some visitors claimed they had seen the animal at the mall on multiple weekends, casting doubt on the “weekend-only” explanation.

The petting zoo is now closed. 

In a statement addressing the incident, the mall said it acknowledged the feedback shared by members of the public and takes animal welfare seriously.

Adding that the petting zoo was operated by a licensed third-party organiser, the mall said it respected the strong sentiments expressed by the community.

It added that on-site inspections were conducted by Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services last month, and again this month, and the organiser was found to be compliant with existing regulations.

"The animals are managed by trained and experienced handlers appointed by the organiser, and they are fed and rested according to scheduled care requirements. "We acknowledge the concerns raised and have taken note of the feedback received. In light of this, the petting zoo event concluded effective today (February 18). We appreciate the feedback shared and remain committed to managing events at Ampang Point responsibly,” it said.

This isn’t the first time an alpaca has sparked a welfare row in Malaysia.

 A café in Malacca was previously ordered to close and fined after a viral video showed an alpaca and other animals in cramped, unsuitable conditions.

Photos: _qistinasarah/Threads, krizzkatriel/Threads