Following public concern over transfer to a different climate, the government has assured the protection of the welfare of three elephants sent to Japan.
tangkak: The government has assured that the welfare of three elephants sent from Malaysia to Japan will be closely monitored.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the ministry understands the public’s concerns about the suitability of the animals for a country with a different climate.
He said the transfer was made after years of careful study and preparation to ensure the protection of their welfare.
The minister was speaking after officiating a function in Tangkak today.
Arthur explained that the transfer is part of a conservation plan initiated through an agreement between Taiping Zoo and Tenji Zoo a decade ago.
The agreement aims to strengthen breeding efforts and increase elephant populations by sharing expertise and technology.
“Conservation technology in Japan is quite advanced and we want to observe and benefit from the transfer of knowledge,” he said.
Before one male and two female elephants were sent to Osaka, the ministry conducted a rigorous multi-year assessment of the zoo’s facilities.
He said Osaka Zoo upgraded its facilities, including veterinary services, before the transfer.
Three Malaysian mahouts were also sent to accompany the elephants and help them acclimatise for several months.
The ministry will issue media updates to inform the public about the latest situation of the elephants.
The alleged transfer of the three elephants sparked a wave of sad reactions among social media users.
