IPOH: Three elephants from Taiping Zoo and Night Safari have been transported to a zoo in Osaka, Japan, as part of a collaboration that began several years ago.
Perak local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the parties paved the way for the transfer.
“The collaboration began with discussions in 2022 when the Osaka zoo expressed interest in acquiring elephants from Malaysia.
“The matter was coordinated through Taiping Zoo and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan),” she told reporters after distributing bubur lambuk at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah in Meru Raya here on Thursday (March 12).
Ng said Perhilitan had conducted several visits and assessments over the past few years to ensure the facilities in Osaka were suitable for the elephants.
“We carried out several rounds of discussions and site visits to ensure the welfare and living conditions for the elephants would be appropriate,” she said when responding to a social media post regarding the relocation of the three elephants to Japan.
According to the post, the elephants – named Dara, Amoi and Kelat – had arrived safely in Tennoji Zoo after departing Malaysia on Tuesday.
“Representatives from Taiping Zoo are expected to visit the Osaka zoo to observe the elephants and their environment, as well as sign a memorandum of understanding in April.
“Taiping Zoo is also expected to receive several animals from the Osaka zoo as part of a two-way collaboration,” she said.
Responding to public concerns, Ng assured that the welfare of the animals remains a priority.
“In this cooperation, Taiping Zoo and Perhilitan will ensure that the elephants’ welfare is safeguarded and that they are properly cared for,” she said, adding that the animals would continue to be closely monitored.
Separately, Ng said the Perak Fire and Rescue Department has not received any false emergency calls so far this year.
She said a total of 2,626 emergency calls were received since January.
“Of the total, 1,409 were related to fires, while 1,217 involved rescue operations.
“One matter that I am particularly proud of is the record of zero false calls during this period,” she said.
“This shows that public awareness is improving and also reflects the effectiveness of our call screening system.”
Ng added that firefighters had managed to save property worth about RM46.9mil from being destroyed.
However, she said that while 145 victims were successfully rescued, 41 fatalities were also recorded during the same period.
“Most of these – 38 cases – involved rescue incidents such as road accidents, which recorded the highest number of cases. This serves as a reminder for all of us to continue improving preparedness at every level,” she said.
Meanwhile, Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon said personnel will be deployed to areas including near the Menora Tunnel, Tapah and Kamunting rest and service areas in preparation for the upcoming festive season.
