Taiping council denies elephants in Japan zoo neglected, abused

The Taiping Municipal Council in Malaysia has refuted allegations that three elephants transferred to a zoo in Japan have been mistreated or neglected. Council president Akmal Dahalan stated that the elephants - Darao, Amoi and Kelat - are in good health and have adapted well to their new environment at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka. The elephants were reunited on September 20 after initially being isolated following the transfer and now have access to the entire zoo enclosure.

When asked about reports of abnormal behaviors such as head swaying, zoochosis and episodes of musth, Akmal clarified that these behaviors are not indicative of neglect or stress. He explained that head swaying is a common behavior among elephants when they anticipate food, while frequent bouts of musth experienced by Kelat are due to the animal's highly nutritious diet.

Both behaviors are considered normal for elephants under zoo care. The controversy surrounding the transfer has persisted since the elephants were sent to Japan earlier this year. The Taiping Municipal Council maintains that the arrangement was a non-commercial, zoo-to-zoo program, and that the elephants remain the property of Taiping Zoo.