Three elephants named Dara, Amoi and Kelat were relocated from Zoo Taiping and Night Safari in Perak to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka in March under a Malaysian Elephant Conservation programme for breeding and research, according to Perak officials. [1]
The uproar grew after viral videos showed the elephants responding to their names in Malay, and one clip prompted social media users to say one animal appeared to be “weeping.” [1]
The online backlash raised concerns about the elephants’ welfare and about Malaysia’s responsibility for animals sent overseas. Earlier criticism focused on damage to one of Kelat’s tusks, which Malaysian wildlife authorities later said had been treated for veterinary reasons. [1]
Perak Housing and Local Government Committee chair Sandrea Ng said in April that Amoi, Dara and Kelat remained the property of the state zoo and had not been sold or had their ownership changed. The elephants are 9, 14 and 20 years old, respectively. [1]
The three remain at Tennoji Zoo as the dispute continues over their care and Malaysia’s role in the transfer. [1]
