Osaka: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) is closely monitoring the status and welfare of three Malaysian Asian elephants sent to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, in March. Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh announced that the relocation of the elephants, named Dara, Amoi, and Kelat, is part of a 25-year strategic ex-situ conservation cooperation programme between Taiping Zoo and Night Safari (ZTNS) and Tennoji Zoo.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, prior to finalising the programme, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) conducted an extensive physical and psychological impact assessment to ensure compliance with international wildlife management standards by the Japanese zoo. To maintain the welfare of the elephants during their acclimatisation, seven Perhilitan mahouts have been accompanying them on a rotational basis for two months since March. Additionally, two more mahouts were sent to the zoo from June 1 to June 30 to ensure a smooth long-term adaptation process.

During a Special Chamber session of the Dewan Rakyat sitting, Syed Ibrahim addressed a question from Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong) regarding the government's plans and actions to monitor the status and welfare of wild animals, like elephants, sent abroad, as well as records of previously exported elephants. He emphasized that the government's priority is to ensure cooperation adheres to facts and legal principles while maintaining diplomatic relations with Japan.

In response to public and non-governmental organisation (NGO) calls to repatriate the elephants, Syed Ibrahim stated that any decision or action would be subject to official negotiations under the master agreement between ZTNS and Tennoji Zoo. He also mentioned that NRES is prepared to facilitate the process of sending independent observers or NGOs to Japan, should there be mutual consensus between Taiping Zoo and Tennoji Zoo, based on existing contractual obligations.

Addressing allegations about the loss of 19 elephants previously sent abroad, Syed Ibrahim clarified that the data was unofficial. He noted that official Perhilitan records show only 10 elephants have been exported overseas since 1977.