IPOH: The three Malaysian elephants currently housed at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, have gained weight, says the Taiping Municipal Council.
Its president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan said that Kelat has recorded a weight gain of 26kg, while Dara gained 35kg and Amoi gained 30kg.
“The weight gain reflects the positive progress resulting from continuous health monitoring, proper dietary management and ongoing care.
"The latest report from Tennoji Zoo showed that all three elephants remain in good health, with veterinary observations and daily monitoring indicating they are active, healthy and adapting well to their new habitat," he said in a statement on Thursday (July 2).
Mohamed Akmal said that the elephants are provided with a complete and balanced diet formulated according to their nutritional requirements by the zoo’s animal care team and monitored by veterinarians.
"Their daily diet consists of various types of high-quality hay as the primary source of fibre, along with bamboo shoots, fresh grass, cabbage, specially formulated elephant pellets, alfalfa cubes, wheat bran, carrots, sweet potatoes, bread, pineapple tops and fruits such as apples," he said.
"As the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry told the Dewan Rakyat, the government continues to closely monitor the welfare of the elephants at Tennoji Zoo through cooperation with the ministry, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and the council.
“This collaboration ensures the elephants’ welfare, health and management remain at the highest standards,” he said.
He added that throughout the collaboration, the council has complied with all laws, agreements, standard operating procedures and animal welfare guidelines.
“The council will continue to extend its full cooperation to the relevant authorities in any review, investigation or request for information related to the programme as part of our commitment to transparency and accountability,” he said.
He said that while the council respects the public’s right to express their views, any claims regarding the elephants’ welfare should be based on verified facts and professional assessments to avoid misunderstandings that could undermine conservation efforts and international cooperation.
He added that the council remains committed to ensuring the welfare, health and well-being of the three elephants and will continue to provide updates on their condition from time to time in the interest of the species' conservation.
Earlier, the elephants, Amoi (aged nine), Dara (14) andKelat (20) were sent to Tennoji Zoo under theMalaysian Elephant Conservation Programmefor breeding and research purposes on March10.
A viral video of Malaysian tourists visitingTennoji Zoo in Osaka raised concerns aboutthe animals' living conditions and habitat.
