Taiping Council hits back: No forced breeding, elephants in Osaka zoo thriving, gaining weight

“IPOH, May 14 — The Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) today denied allegations that three Malaysian elephants — Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK) — housed at Tennoji Zoo Osaka (TZO) in Japan were subjected to forced breeding. Its president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan said such actions had never occurred and were strictly prohibited under the terms and conditions outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties. “Overall, the condition of all elephants remains stable and under close monitoring by the zoo management and veterinary team,” he said in a statement today. He said daily observations showed that the elephants’ health, appetite, behaviour and daily activities remained in good condition, with all three also recording positive weight gain since being placed at Tennoji Zoo. “Dara recorded a weight increase of 235 kilogrammes, while Amoi gained 220 kilogrammes. Kelat, meanwhile, registered the highest increase at 460 kilogrammes,” he said. He also said environmental enrichment programmes, dietary management and continuous Protected Contact handling training were being implemented to ensure the elephants’ welfare and management remained at the highest level. Addressing speculation involving Kelat, Mohamed Akmal said behavioural changes observed in the male elephant were linked to the musth phase, or “turun minyak”, a natural biological condition experienced by mature male elephants. He explained that hormonal changes involving testosterone during this period could cause the elephant to become more active, sensitive or aggressive than usual. “Such conditions are normal and are being closely monitored by zookeepers and veterinarians,” he said. He added that several management measures had been implemented throughout the musth period, including daily monitoring of behaviour and aggression levels, regular physical examinations by veterinary officers and controlled isolation to ensure the safety of both animals and staff. “Other measures include monitoring food and water intake, as well as faeces and urine output, environmental management to reduce stress and external stimulation. “Continuous enrichment programmes are also carried out to support the elephants’ welfare and behavioural stability,” he said. Mohamed Akmal also dismissed claims that Kelat was suffering from ocular problems or eye pain, describing such allegations as inaccurate. “Visible changes around the elephant’s eyes were linked to physiological changes during the musth phase, particularly swelling of the temporal gland, which may place slight pressure around the eye area. “This is a natural response commonly observed in mature male elephants during this phase,” he said. He added that Tennoji Zoo had engaged Elephant Business Inc to train staff in elephant management and handling using the Protected Contact approach. “This is a safe and systematic method for health monitoring, daily care and veterinary examinations of the elephants. The approach ensures the welfare of the elephants remains safeguarded,” he said. Meanwhile, Mohamed Akmal also said a fragment of Kelat’s tusk had recently been found inside its enclosure and was believed to have detached naturally due to daily use. He said veterinary examinations found no serious injuries or bleeding, and Kelat’s condition remained stable. “The affected area is being monitored regularly to ensure there are no infections or further complications,” he added. Mohamed Akmal said MPT would continue to work closely with Tennoji Zoo and relevant parties to ensure the welfare, health and management of all elephants remained in the best possible condition. “MPT has also taken note of public concerns, feedback and speculation surrounding the current condition of the elephants at the zoo. Periodic updates will be provided to ensure transparency and prevent misinformation,” he said.

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