Malaysia seeks return of elephants as Japan climate, welfare concerns grow
One of the pachyderms reportedly suffered a damaged tusk at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka
The three Malaysian elephants sent to Osaka in Japan from Zoo Taiping and Night Safari should be brought home, according to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup.
Arthur made the call amid concerns that Japan’s climate is unsuitable for the elephants and that one of them, Kelat, has suffered an injury.
Last Friday, a group of protesters gathered outside the ministry, urging the government to bring the elephants back.
They cited welfare concerns following the relocation last month.
The protest was led by social activist Kalai Vanar, who submitted a memorandum to ministry officials, including deputy secretary general Mas Rizal Mohd Hilmi and Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) deputy director general (conservation) Fakhrul Hatta Musa.
Arthur stressed that the decision to send the elephants to Osaka’s Tennoji Zoo was made under an earlier administration, not during his tenure.