IPOH: Three elephants from the Taiping Zoo & Night Safari, currently housed at Tennoji Zoo in Japan, are in good condition and have gained weight.
Taiping Municipal Council president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan said the elephants, Dara, Amoi and Kelat, are being continuously monitored.
He said the habitat facilities provided sufficient space, daily care, and enrichment programmes in line with international standards.
Akmal also said that all three elephants have recorded weight gain since being placed at the Japanese zoo.
“Kelat recorded an increase of 440kg, from 2,360kg to 2,800kg, while Dara gained 215kg, from 1,985kg to 2,200kg, and Amoi gained 200kg, from 1,280kg to 1,480kg.
“The development reflects good health, nutrition and daily care, with the animals’ welfare remaining at a high standard in line with best practices for the management of wild animals in captivity,” he said in a statement issued on Wednesday (May 6).
The council issued the statement in response to a peaceful demonstration and memorandum submission regarding the “Return DAK” demand, led by the Sekretariat Bahana Kesetiaan Negara chairman, Datuk Dr Kalai Vanar, on Tuesday. (May 5)
Mohamed Akmal said the agreement between the two zoos, which was signed on May 19, 2022, and Oct 6, 2022, involved the transfer of the elephants for a period of 25 years.
He said the council would issue weekly reports on the elephants' condition based on official information from Tennoji Zoo.
“The council will also continue direct communication with the zoo management from time to time,” he added.
He advised the public to refer to official sources for accurate information and avoid speculation or misleading interpretations regarding the welfare of the elephants.
