The Chinese Zouwu is described by JKR as “a giant cat-like creature with a long plumed tail”, “a monstrous cat the size of an elephant, five colored with a tail the size of a python.” In an interview JKR also says the Zouwu is “five-coloured”. It is not mentioned in Newt’s bestseller “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” (FB)
One is kept captive in a cage at Circus Arcanus and was ‘horrendously abused”, malnourished and with scars on its face. When the circus catches fire the terrified beast escapes. It is later captured by Newt Scamander and secured in his case (CG).
Commentary
Notes
"The Zouwu can run a thousand miles in a single day." according to David Yates. (This adds up to 47 miles (75 kilometers) per hour), "which isn't quite that fast when you analyze it."
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald: Movie Magic - Jody Revenson