KUALA LUMPUR: Three Malaysian elephants at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, are reportedly showing signs of severe emotional distress, prompting calls for their immediate return, an activist group said.
The three elephants, named Dara, Amoi and Kelat, were transferred to the zoo in March.
Pertubuhan Konservasi Alam Malaysia activist Dr Siti Rabiah Raws said the elephants had been observed displaying repetitive stereotypical behaviour, including excessive head swaying.
"This behaviour is a clear sign of severe psychological distress and possible zoochosis," she said when contacted yesterday.
Oxford University elephant expert Dr William Keith Lindsay has backed calls for the elephants' return, having prepared three reports urging their immediate repatriation to Malaysia.
Siti Rabiah said Kelat's frequent musth cycles required urgent attention. She said Dr Lindsay had pointed out that male elephants typically undergo musth only once or twice a year.
Musth is a periodic biological condition in adult male elephants marked by a surge in testosterone, heightened aggression and intense reproductive behaviour.
"This, combined with Kelat's prolonged separation from Dara and Amoi, raises serious questions about the animal's welfare and the suitability of the facility.
"We believe Kelat must undergo an independent veterinary assessment and be closely monitored," she said.
Siti Rabiah said the organisation had sent two staff members to Tennoji Zoo in April to record the elephants' daily behaviour.
Taiping Municipal Council president Tuan Mohamed Akmal Dahalan declined to comment when contacted.
"I cannot respond personally. When the time comes, I will issue an official statement on the latest developments," he said.
In August, the council said Kelat, Dara and Amoi were healthy and active, and that Tennoji Zoo's keepers and veterinary officers monitored their condition regularly.
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