To that end, the 22-year-old from Kulim, Kedah, opened a mobile mini zoo in 2016 – and it has since become her regular source of income.
More than 40 exotic animals make up her personal collection and are on display, including a python, iguanas, African ground squirrels, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, and scorpions.
The digital technology diploma holder, who is popularly known as Kakak Raptor on social media, told Bernama she had purchased these critters from pet stores nationwide, paying anywhere from RM100 to RM10,000 for them.
“I am now focusing full-time on my mini-zoo business and animal care,” she said, explaining that her goal is to educate the public about exotic animals.
Syazlin credits her parents, Mohammed Hasni Hassan, 55, and Salmiah Shaari, 48, for inculcating in her a love for these animals and nurturing her interest, which arose after she had watched nature documentaries on television as a child.
All of her pets are kept in cages or aquariums inside her home, which is equipped with alarm systems and closed-circuit television cameras to prevent unwanted incidents.
“I have never experienced theft, but a snake was once seriously injured after a visitor did not handle it carefully, causing it to suffer bone complications that required treatment that cost about RM2,000,” she shared.
The main challenge she faces is Malaysia’s climate: most of the animals come from abroad and are less suited to the hot weather, requiring her to think of ways to control temperature and humidity.
“For example, chinchillas need to be in temperatures below 26°C, so I put them in a room with air conditioning; while for a chameleon, I need to control the humidity to stop them from getting respiratory infections,” she said.
For now, she only holds exhibitions upon invitation to special events such as convocation ceremonies, school programmes, or carnivals in Perak, Penang and Kedah.
The animals’ travels are limited to the northern region to reduce risk and harm to them, as longer distances could bring about undue stress, illness, or even death, she said.
In the long term, Syazlin hopes to be able to open a mini zoo proper for members of the public to visit. She provides the assurance that she has a licence and permit from the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan) to keep and exhibit these exotic creatures.
The process of obtaining these permissions, she added, is easier than one might think: “Just bring the purchase receipt and microchip to Perhilitan and it will be ready in five minutes.
“Don’t believe rumours about the department being difficult to deal with.”
Finally, she advises those who wish to protect and own exotic animals to firstly equip themselves with knowledge and skills required in handling these beautiful creatures.
“Do your research and learn to look after them before buying them, because ignorance can cause the animals to fall ill and die,” she said.