Three mahouts assigned to look after Malaysian elephants in Osaka; animal torture claims are unfounded

 

THREE ELEPHANT handlers from the National Elephant Conservation Centre (NECC) Kuala Gandah have been sent to Japan to look after Malaysian elephants Dara, Amoi and Kelat at Tennoji Zoo.

According to Utusan Malaysia, one of the handlers is Ali Gadong, a member of the Che Wong Orang Asli community who is already familiar with all three elephants from his previous experience working with them.

NECC director Che Ku Mohd Zamzuri Chik Wan Ab Rahman said the trio began their assignment on 15 April and are expected to remain in Osaka for two months.

Their stay, however, could be extended depending on operational needs and an evaluation by the zoo’s management.

Ali currently serves as the primary mahout for Kelat, a 20-year-old elephant, and has also handled Dara and Amoi, aged 15 and 10 respectively.

His experience with the animals makes him an important member of the Kuala Gandah conservation team.

The relocation of the elephants has attracted attention online, with some social media users alleging that Dara, Amoi and Kelat are experiencing stress and poor conditions at the zoo.

Che Ku Mohd Zamzuri rejected the claims, insisting that the accusations are unfounded and do not accurately represent the elephants’ welfare.

He said regular updates, including daily videos sent by mahouts stationed at the zoo, indicate the animals are stable and steadily adjusting to their new surroundings.

Monitoring data also showed that all three elephants have recorded gradual weight gain in under two months, which he described as a positive sign of good health and proper nutrition.

He further clarified that so-called “elephant tears” are often misunderstood, explaining that the fluid is a normal biological response used to clear dust and debris from their eyes.

Before being transferred to Japan, the elephants were housed at Zoo Taiping & Night Safari under a conservation initiative.— Focus Malaysia