Kuala lumpur: Three female elephants, Dara, Amoi, and Kelat (collectively known as DAK), housed at Tennoji Zoo in Japan, continue to show positive progress, recording notable weight gains while maintaining their health and activity levels.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan reported that the latest updates from Tennoji Zoo indicate Kelat has gained 260 kilogrammes, while Dara and Amoi have seen weight increases of 35kg and 30kg, respectively, compared to their previous measurements.
"MPT would also like to clarify that the elephants at Tennoji Zoo are provided with a complete and balanced daily diet, prepared according to the species' nutritional requirements by the animal care team and monitored by veterinary officers," stated Mohamed Akmal in a recent announcement. The diet for the elephants includes various types of hay as a primary fibre source, supplemented with bamboo shoots, fresh grass, cabbage, and specially formulated elephant pellets.
Mohamed Akmal emphasized that MPT, in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Peninsular Malaysia, will continue to monitor the elephants to ensure their welfare, health, and management remain at the highest standard. "MPT also continues to extend its full cooperation to any relevant authority in any review, investigation, or request for information relating to this programme as part of our commitment to transparency and accountability," he added.
While acknowledging the public's right to express concerns regarding the elephants' welfare, Mohamed Akmal stressed that any allegations must be based on factual, verified information and professional assessments. This approach is essential to prevent misunderstandings that could impede wildlife conservation efforts and the established international cooperation.
The three elephants are part of an international cooperation agreement between Tennoji Zoo and Zoo Taiping and Night Safari, represented by MPT. This collaboration was formalized on May 19, 2022, and October 6, 2022, and is set to last for 25 years.