{
  "id": 8806285,
  "title": "Kelat remains in stable condition despite 100kg weight loss, says MPT",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/kelat-remains-in-stable-condition-despite-100kg-weight-loss-says-mpt",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T00:25:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1537253/kelat-remains-stable-condition-despite-100kg-weight-loss-says-mpt"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "IPOH: Kelat, an elephant, remains in stable condition despite losing about 100kg, according to the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT). The weight loss occurred while Kelat was experiencing the musth phase, which has persisted since August 18, the council stated in a Facebook post. Despite the significant weight loss, Kelat is active and participates in training sessions at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, the MPT said. The zoo is closely monitoring Kelat's musth symptoms, such as increased secretions from the temporal glands and wet inner thighs, to accurately track the phase's progression. The MPT emphasized that the elephant's health should not be judged based on a single social media photo and that continuous observation of behavior, diet, and weight is crucial for assessing an elephant's well-being. Kelat is currently under close monitoring during this musth phase, and the MPT remains concerned about his welfare, urging social media users to verify information before sharing.",
  "summary": "IPOH: A viral photograph showing Kelat appearing unusually thin does not reflect the elephant’s current condition, said the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT).",
  "key_points": [
    "Kelat elephant stable despite losing 100kg weight",
    "Musth phase since August 18, persisting at zoo",
    "MPT monitoring Kelat's health closely"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}