Taiping: The behaviour exhibited by Amoi, one of the three elephants known collectively as Dara, Amoi, and Kelat (DAK), in a viral video where she is seen biting a hay net, is not an indication of stress or starvation, according to the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MPT president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan clarified that hay nets are part of the environmental enrichment tools used globally in zoos and wildlife conservation centers, such as at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, where the elephants are currently housed. These tools encourage natural foraging behaviors, stimulate physical and mental activity, and reduce boredom by extending feeding times.

"Elephants typically use their trunks, tusks, or mouths to interact with enrichment equipment while foraging, and Amoi's actions in the video are part of this interactive process, which is constantly monitored for safety," Mohamed Akmal explained in a recent statement.

Furthermore, Mohamed Akmal highlighted that with Japan experiencing summer temperatures, Tennoji Zoo has implemented measures to enhance elephant welfare. These include providing shaded areas, bathing pools, and wallowing mud pits to help the elephants cool naturally, alongside regular water spraying and continuous access to clean drinking water. Health monitoring by zookeepers and veterinary officers is also more frequent.

Routine activities and feeding schedules have been adjusted to align with the weather, ensuring the elephants' comfort and well-being. MPT receives regular updates on the elephants' status, ensuring their health, welfare, nutrition, and management meet agreed standards under the collaborative programme between Taiping Zoo and Tennoji Zoo.

Mohamed Akmal assured that the Malaysian Asian elephants are in good health and remain active, with positive progress reported in their health, appetite, behavior, and adaptation to their environment. He emphasized the importance of understanding the full context of video footage before drawing conclusions about the elephants' welfare.

Official updates regarding Kelat, Dara, and Amoi will continue to be shared based on reports from Tennoji Zoo and ongoing monitoring. MPT remains dedicated to prioritizing the welfare, health, and well-being of the elephants within the conservation cooperation programme.