Taiping council denies elephants in Japan zoo neglected, abused

The Taiping Municipal Council in Malaysia has refuted allegations that three elephants transferred to a Japanese zoo, Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, have been mistreated or neglected. Council president Akmal Dahalan assured the public that the three elephants—Darao, Amoi, and Kelat—are healthy and have adapted well to their new environment.

The transfer occurred on September 20 after the elephants initially spent time apart upon arrival. Akmal denied that observed behaviors such as head swaying, zoochosis, and musth episodes were indicative of neglect or stress. He explained that head swaying is a natural response when elephants look forward to food and the frequent musth episodes Kelat experiences are due to their diet being rich in nutrients.

Both behaviors are considered normal for elephants in zoo settings. He further emphasized that the zoo is implementing enrichment programs to maintain the well-being of the elephants. The elephant relocation has been a contentious issue since its inception this year. Council officials have maintained that the transfer was a non-commercial exchange between zoos, and the elephants are still under the ownership of Taiping Zoo.