Elephant agreement strictly zoo-to-zoo, not commercial, MPT says

 

There are absolutely no commercial elements in the agreement between Taiping Zoo and Night Safari and Japan's Tennoji Zoo in Osaka involving the three Malaysian elephants known as Dara, Amoi and Kelat.

Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) president Akmal Dahalan clarified that the agreement is strictly zoo-to-zoo and not a business transaction, contrary to allegations by some parties.

"The term 'B2B' (business to business) does not reflect the true spirit of this agreement," he said in a statement today.

He clarified that the international cooperation programme complies with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry's Malaysian Zoo Standard Guidelines, countering viral accusations on social media, including claims of payments to the zoo and local council, and alleged non-compliance with existing laws.

He also highlighted that the agreement has undergone approval processes in accordance with the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.

"Before the elephants were sent, MPT, Taiping Zoo and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) visited Osaka from Oct 6 to 10, 2022, to assess the existing facilities and identify the improvements needed by Tennoji Zoo,” he said.

He added that all relevant documentation, such as special permits, export applications, and responses to Japanese authorities, had been properly approved before the elephants were transported.

"MPT also wants to make it clear that animal welfare and well-being have always been our top priority in this programme. The Taiping Zoo will remain in regular contact with Tennoji Zoo and other relevant agencies to obtain the latest updates," he said.

He added that the council is ready to cooperate with authorities, including the MACC, should any further review or investigation into the programme be required.

The elephants are housed at Tennoji Zoo under a 25-year international cooperation agreement between the two zoos, with MPT acting as the representative for Taiping Zoo.

Local media previously reported that a group of activists and NGOs had urged the government to bring the elephants back to Malaysia, alleging the animals are suffering and ill-suited to the zoo's environment.

- Bernama