“Bring them home!” – M’sians Fume Over 3 Local Elephants Being Sent to Japan Despite Govt Assurance

Many Malaysians recently voiced concerns about the welfare of three local elephants after news spread that they were being transported to Japan.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the transfer was part of a collaboration that has been in development since 2022, initiated after a Japanese zoo expressed interest in hosting the animals.

Perak Government assures that their welfare is monitored

The Perak State Government has since assured that the well-being of the three elephants, Dara, Amoi, and Kelat, from Taiping Zoo and Night Safari (ZTNS) will be closely monitored to ensure their welfare is protected.

BERNAMA quoted State Housing and Local Government Committee Chairperson Sandrea Ng Shy Ching as saying that the relocation was arranged through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) in coordination with the zoo management.

She confirmed that the Taiping Municipal Council has received word of the elephants’ safe arrival in Osaka. ZTNS representatives are expected to visit the Japanese zoo around April to assess the animals’ condition and sign a follow-up Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of the bilateral cooperation.

Sandrea ng shy ching

She added that the collaboration also includes an animal exchange, with ZTNS set to receive animals from Tennoji Zoo after the elephants’ arrival.

“Over the past few years, several discussions have taken place, including visits by Perhilitan to Osaka to assess the facilities and ensure they are suitable. An MoU was also signed previously, which led to the dispatch of these three elephants. ZTNS and Perhilitan have always made animal welfare a top priority throughout the partnership,” she said.

Netizens’ reactions

“Bring them home!”

“As an animal lover, I don’t understand why an agreement like this is even necessary. Humans, please, don’t be cruel to animals.”

“We urge the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change to hold a press conference and clarify the actual agreement with Tennoji Zoo regarding the three national treasures that were sent. Is the transfer permanent, temporary, or part of an animal exchange? Don’t leave the public guessing and making their own assumptions, as this could damage the reputation of the NRES Ministry.”

“We, the people, live simple lives. It’s up to you, the ones elected into office, to run the country, not to harm it. We may live modestly, but your decisions have disrupted our lives because we feel empathy and pity for the elephants that were forced to be sent away. These elephants belong to the nation. They have the right to live undisturbed and protected, and they are not your personal property to do with as you please. Return the elephants! We do not agree with this decision, no matter the reason. Their lives have value and should never be taken lightly.”

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