PETALING JAYA: A staff member at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, has shared an update the three Asian elephants recently transferred from Malaysia.
The elephants, Kelat, a 20-year-old male and two females, Dara (14) and Amoi (nine), arrived in Japan on March 11 and were officially introduced to the public on April 21.
The zoo said Kelat displays a strong personality, with keepers describing him as having "clear assertiveness but also a highly affectionate and dependent nature".
Although male Asian elephants are solitary in adulthood, Kelat has shown a strong preference to stay close to the two females.
All three are currently housed together in the "Elephant Home", a facility originally designed for the females.
The zoo said it would adjust the elephants' living arrangements based on their behaviour, with the animals housed together or separated at different times of the day.
Dara has been described as a "careful and responsible" elephant, frequently observing her surroundings and monitoring changes in the environment and the behaviour of keepers.
She has also become protective towards Amoi, often ensuring the younger elephant follows her safely and remains alert.
Despite her calm demeanour, Dara is more dependent and affectionate toward Malaysian handlers, suggesting she is still adjusting to the new environment.
Keepers said they hope Dara will gradually become more comfortable with her surroundings in Japan.
Amoi, the youngest of the three, is also adjusting to the new environment.
The zoo acknowledged that the transition is a learning phase for both elephants and caretakers, adding efforts are being made to ensure their long-term welfare and stability.
They also highlighted a notable moment shortly after the animals moved into the "Elephant Home".
On their first night together, the elephants were seen lying down and sleeping beside each other – a behaviour considered rare as elephants typically sleep standing up and only lie down only when they feel safe.
A staff member described this as deeply moving, saying it reflected a strong sense of trust and comfort among the animals.
They said Kelat's presence sometimes disrupts the two females' sleep, prompting adjustments to their sleeping arrangements. He is now placed in an adjacent space where physical contact remains possible.
Keepers said Dara and Amoi continue to rest together regularly, describing it as a positive sign of adaptation to their new environment.
