M’sians Concerned After TikTok Live Claims Local Elephants Huddled Near Walls To Seek Shade At Japan Zoo

Previously, Malaysians raised concerns about the welfare of three local elephants after news broke that they were being sent to Japan.

We previously reported that the elephants, Dara, Amoi, and Kelat from Zoo Taiping & Night Safari (ZTNS), were brought to Tennoji Zoo in March as part of a Malaysian elephant conservation programme.

Malaysians fume over well-being of Dara, Amoi, and Kelat

The zoo later came under scrutiny on social media after a video of Kelat appearing unusually thin went viral, raising concerns about how the elephant was being cared for at Tennoji Zoo.

In response, the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) explained that Kelat had lost weight while going through a prolonged musth phase (a natural condition in adult male elephants linked to a significant rise in testosterone levels.)

The Perak State Government also assured the public that the elephants would be closely monitored to ensure their welfare and well-being are protected.

Viral video shows elephants seeking shade from Japan’s heat

A recent video has been widely reshared online after three elephants at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka were reportedly seen seeking shade from the heat, with claims that they are the Malaysian elephants housed there.

During a TikTok livestream by a zoo visitor on 21 September, she captured two of the elephants staying close to the walls of their respective enclosures, seemingly trying to find shelter from the heat.

She also claimed that the elephants appeared skinny, with no food seen around them.

“It’s hot here, and they all look skinny. There’s no food. They’re trying to hang the grass and put it there. Look at that,” she said during the livestream.

At the time of writing, Osaka recorded temperatures of around 30°C, and no official response regarding the incident has been issued yet.

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