Perak: The Perak state government has assured that the well-being of three elephants from the Taiping Zoo and Night Safari (ZTNS) sent to Japan will be closely monitored to ensure their welfare is protected. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching confirmed that the move to send the three elephants, named Dara, Amoi, and Kelat, to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka was the outcome of a collaboration that had been under discussion since 2022.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Japanese zoo had expressed interest in acquiring the elephants from Malaysia, and the relocation process had been arranged through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) in coordination with the zoo management. Ng stated, "Over the past few years, several series of discussions have been held, including visits by Perhilitan to Osaka to assess the facilities provided to ensure they are suitable." A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed, leading to the dispatch of these three elephants.

Ng further mentioned that the Taiping Municipal Council, which manages ZTNS, has confirmed the safe arrival of the elephants in Osaka. She also noted that ZTNS representatives are expected to visit the zoo around April to check on the elephants' condition and sign a follow-up MoU as part of the bilateral cooperation.

The collaboration also involves an animal exchange, with ZTNS set to receive animals from Tennoji Zoo following the elephants' arrival. Ng emphasized that ZTNS and Perhilitan have consistently prioritized animal welfare throughout the partnership.

Concerns had been raised previously by netizens regarding the welfare of the elephants, following claims about their transfer to Japan. An online petition protesting the move gained momentum, amassing support from over 26,000 signatories as of Thursday.