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Calls are growing for three Malaysian elephants to be brought home from Japan following public concern over their welfare at Tennoji Zoo
According to Bernama, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup has urged that proposals to return the elephants be taken seriously, taking into account public interest and sensitivities.
The elephants — Dara, Amoi, and Kelat — were relocated from Zoo Taiping & Night Safari to Japan in March as part of a conservation collaboration.
Arthur said the decision was made in 2022 through a business-to-business agreement between the two zoos, and that the ministry was not a signatory. However, he added that if the implementation of the agreement no longer aligns with conservation principles, the elephants should be returned.
“In this regard, I strongly urge the management of Zoo Taiping & Night Safari to initiate discussions with Tennoji Zoo in Japan to assess the requirements and mechanism for bringing the elephants back, as they are the parties with contractual obligations,” he said at a press conference in Putrajaya on Wednesday, 29 April.
Image via SCMP
The elephants departed Malaysia on 10 March. However, concerns quickly surfaced, with members of the public questioning whether the zoo is adequately equipped to house them.
Some have raised concerns over the elephants’ fully concrete enclosure, while animal welfare advocates have also sounded the alarm through a petition, warning that the elephants may spend the rest of their lives in a confined exhibition space rather than in a more natural, sanctuary-style environment.
Concerns intensified after reports that Kelat suffered a broken tusk less than three weeks after arrival, and that a shortening procedure was carried out on the other tusk to balance weight distribution.
Separately, a viral video in late April allegedly showing an emaciated tiger at the zoo sparked broader concerns about animal welfare at the facility. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) clarified that the tiger is a Siberian tiger, not a Malayan tiger.
Still, many netizens maintained that the animal appeared to be in poor condition, fuelling criticism over the zoo’s ability to care for Malaysia’s elephants.
Image via SCMP
In a latest update today, 5 May, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said he will meet with Zoo Taiping authorities soon to discuss the situation
He said the discussion aims to gather more information and explore the best steps to bring the elephants home.
“We are worried something may happen to them. We are working towards bringing them back to Malaysia, and we hope the public will support this effort, as the voice of the people can influence decisions,” he said, reported Bernama.