PUTRAJAYA: Claims that a Malayan tiger was spotted in a weak and sickly condition at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, in a recent viral video have been refuted by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).
Perhilitan clarified that the animal in the video is an Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), not a Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni).
In fact, no Malayan tigers are kept at the said zoo, the department said yesterday.
“The video shows a tiger that has been falsely identified as a Malayan tiger in a thin and unhealthy state.
“This has sparked public concern and negative reactions, particularly regarding wildlife welfare and the perceived image of Malayan tiger conservation,” the department’s statement read, as reported by Bernama.
Perhilitan also clarified that the Amur tiger does not belong to the department or the government of Malaysia.
It noted that the spread of this misinformation has caused confusion and damaged public perception of Malaysia’s conservation efforts.
Perhilitan reminded the public to be responsible by verifying facts before sharing any information, particularly on social media.
“The dissemination of inaccurate or unverified information can create confusion, trigger negative perceptions and undermine wildlife conservation efforts at both national and international levels.”
