IPOH: The Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) has rejected allegations of neglect and abuse involving three elephants transferred to a Japanese zoo, saying their behaviour does not necessarily indicate mental distress.
Its president, Mohamed Akmal Dahalan, said the elephants — Dara, Amoi and Kelat — were in good health and had adapted well to their new surroundings since arriving in Japan in March.
He said the latest reports from the zoo, alongside MPT's assessment, showed that all three elephants were active and in satisfactory overall condition.
"The three elephants have also been reunited since Sept 20 and have unrestricted access to the entire exhibition area and their night enclosures," he said in a statement.
Akmal said MPT took note of concerns raised on social media over the elephants' head-swaying behaviour, alleged zoochosis and the frequency of musth episodes, which had prompted questions about their mental and emotional well-being.
"In this regard, MPT wishes to reiterate that such behaviour should not be directly interpreted as signs of stress, depression or compromised animal welfare. MPT also denies any allegations of neglect or abuse involving the elephants.
"Head-swaying, in particular, cannot be directly interpreted as a sign of stress, as it may also indicate food-anticipation behaviour, in which an animal anticipates being fed," he said.
On Kelat's musth episodes, Akmal said the elephant had entered the phase twice since arriving in Japan, in May and September this year.
Musth is a periodic state in mature male elephants characterised by extreme testosterone surges, aggressive behaviour and high sexual arousal.
He acknowledged that Kelat had lost weight during both episodes but said this was normal. Its weight had since increased and was approaching the level recorded before the second episode in September.
Akmal also dismissed allegations that hormones had been injected into Kelat to increase the frequency of its musth episodes, describing the claims as untrue.
He said all three elephants were given a complete and balanced diet tailored to their nutritional needs, prepared by the zoo's animal care team and monitored by veterinary officers.
"Their diet includes hay, bamboo shoots, fresh grass, vegetables, specially formulated elephant pellets, alfalfa cubes, wheat bran, carrots, sweet potatoes, bread, pineapple tops and fruits such as apples. Salt and vitamins are also given daily," he said.
Akmal said Kelat had gained 580kg since arriving in Japan, while Dara had gained 575kg and Amoi 405kg.
He said the weight gains indicated that their food intake and health were satisfactory.
"Tennoji Zoo also conducts regular enrichment programmes involving varied activities, food and feeding methods to support the elephants' welfare and mental well-being," he added.
Akmal said the zoo remained committed to ensuring that the elephants' nutrition, veterinary care, safety and daily management complied with international standards and best practices.
While respecting the public's right to voice concerns, he urged people to ensure that allegations about the elephants' welfare were supported by credible information and professional assessments.
He said unsubstantiated claims could cause misunderstandings and potentially affect the country's conservation efforts and international cooperation.
"MPT will continue monitoring the elephants' health and welfare and providing updates to ensure the public receives accurate information," he added.
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