WITH temperatures soaring during the current Japanese summer, there has been much concern from animal lovers regarding the welfare of animals housed in zoos.
In a recent video, Amoi, an elephant from Taiping Zoo transferred to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan is seen biting a net filled with hay, with some claiming this is a sign the animal is suffering due to harsh conditions.
Is it true that the elephant is showing signs of stress?
Verdict:
FALSE
Amoi the elephant is not showing any signs of distress, says Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan.
He said elephants biting a hay net, as seen in a viral video, is not a sign of stress, starvation or compromised animal welfare.
He said hay nets are used as a form of environmental enrichment in zoos and wildlife conservation centres worldwide.
"Amoi's behaviour in the viral video was part of her interaction with the enrichment equipment and is continuously monitored by animal keepers to ensure it is safe for use.
"This method is designed to encourage elephants to search, pull and manipulate food, mimicking their natural behaviour in the wild," he said in statement on Saturday (Aug 8).
Mohamed Akmal said that it was normal for elephants to use their trunks, tusks or mouths to pull, bite or manipulate enrichment equipment to access food.
"The activity helps prolong feeding time, stimulate physical and mental activity and reduce boredom and supporting the animals' welfare," he said.
He added that MPT had been informed that Japan is currently experiencing high temperatures this summer.
"Tennoji Zoo has enhanced its animal welfare measures by providing sufficient shaded areas, bathing pools and muddy areas to allow the elephants to cool down naturally.
"The zoo also provides regular water spraying, an adequate supply of drinking water and more frequent health monitoring by animal keepers and veterinary officers," he said.
He added that the elephants' daily routines and feeding schedules had also been adjusted according to weather conditions to ensure the comfort and well-being of all three elephants.
He also said that the council remains in close contact with Tennoji Zoo and receives regular updates on the condition of the three elephants.
"This cooperation ensures that all aspects of their health, welfare, nutrition and management continue to meet the standards agreed upon under the cooperation programme between both parties," he said.
"MPT appreciates the public's concern for the welfare of Kelat, Dara and Amoi.
"However, the public is advised not to make any conclusions based solely on video clips without full context," he said.
He said any information regarding the condition of the three elephants would continue to be shared based on official reports from Tennoji Zoo and ongoing monitoring by both parties.
"The council remains committed to ensuring that the welfare, health and well-being of Kelat, Dara and Amoi remain priority throughout the conservation cooperation programme between Taiping Zoo and Night Safari and the Tennoji Zoo," he added.
Recently, a video showing Amoi biting the hay net went viral across social media, sparking comments from netizens.
