How Zoo Negara's iconic cat and capybara duo inspired HABIB's latest collectible

In a market filled with animal-themed jewellery and brand collaborations, Malaysian jeweller HABIB is taking a different path that blends craftsmanship, conservation, and cultural relevance.

What began as a CSR response during the 2020 pandemic has evolved into a multi-year collaboration with Zoo Negara, culminating in the release of limited-edition 999.9 gold wafers featuring one of Malaysia’s most beloved animal duos: a capybara and a stray cat named Oyen.

In an exclusive interview with A+M,  Meer Habib, group executive chairman of HABIB shared that the tie-up first began when Zoo Negara faced operational struggles during the nationwide lockdown. “Due to the temporary closure of Zoo Negara during the pandemic, they had limited resources and income,” he said.

“In response, we launched our 'Save our animals' campaign with a line of limited-edition gold wafers featuring endangered species in 2020," added the chairman.

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However, the initiative didn’t stop at charitable giving. HABIB combined its design expertise with educational storytelling, creating collectible gold pieces that doubled as a tool for wildlife awareness. “This effort is more than just a corporate donation,” said Meer. “It’s also about teaching younger Malaysians the value of gold investing, all while supporting conservation.”

HABIB's team then translates these into intricate gold wafer designs. Each campaign includes original educational content created by HABIB's in-house team, bridging art, awareness, and impact. Meanwhile, Zoo Negara also plays a central role in the collaboration.

Zoo Negara serves as both the inspiration and beneficiary of the campaign.

"They share stories, insights, and visual references of its animals to help HABIB translate the zoo’s wildlife accurately and respectfully into collectible designs," said Meer. 

The latest release, which features Oyen the cat and the capybaras he befriended during lockdown, captures a real-life story that touched millions of Malaysians. “Their adorable bond went viral and led the zoo to include Oyen’s name on the Capybara enclosure signage,” the brand explained. “This special edition not only celebrates their unique friendship but also continues HABIB’s mission to support Zoo Negara through meaningful and heartfelt designs."

Crafted in 999.9 fine gold, each wafer is available for RM148 individually or RM296 as a set. The collection can be purchased at all Habib showrooms nationwide, as well as online via the brand’s website, TikTok Shop, Shopee, Lazada and Zalora. A portion of proceeds from each sale will go directly to Zoo Negara.

This year, HABIB also announced its sponsorship of the White Rhinoceros, following previous support for the Malayan Tiger. “Our company believes strongly in protecting animals and preserving nature for generations to come,” said Meer. 

For HABIB, collaborations like this aren’t just marketing plays, they’re a form of storytelling. “In today’s fast-evolving consumer landscape, especially among the younger generation, there’s a growing appreciation for brands that stand for something meaningful,” he added.

We view collaboration as more than just a business venture.

"It serves as a storytelling platform where jewellery becomes a medium to express values, celebrate culture, and create social impact," he said. Through this partnership, HABIB seeks to blur the lines between jewellery and purpose, offering customers not just gold, but a golden chance to give back.

"For HABIB, collaborations are not about following trends but about building meaningful and lasting connections with the community. These campaigns with Zoo Negara have successfully woven together elements of heritage, emotion and national pride, all of which deeply resonate with Malaysians," said Meer.

Besides the Zoo Negara Oyen and Capybara gold wafer collection, HABIB has been actively promoting its new cat collection, which features gold wafers, bars and jewellery inspired by a variety of beloved cat breeds such as the British shorthair and Bengal cat. It also recently released its limited edition orchid collection.

The jewellery brand has also been active on its social media accounts including Instagram and TikTok, churning out video content promoting its recent 7.7 super sale and payday sales, alongside promos for its festive celebrations such as Father's Day and Mother's Day. The brand has also been actively collaborating with social media influencers, and running TikTok livestreams to strengthen its brand. 

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