SHAH ALAM – Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, has released a series of photos of three Malaysian elephants - Dara, Amoi and Kelat - saying the animals are in good condition under their care.
The post, written in Japanese, was published on the zoo's website on Sunday amid growing public concern over the wellbeing of the trio, who were transferred from Zoo Taiping & Night Safari to the Japanese zoo on March 11.
The elephants, collectively known as DAK, were first put on public display on April 21.
Kelat, 20, is described as firm yet affectionate and enjoys the company of the two female elephants despite males of his age typically living alone.
"Over the past month, Kelat has shown himself to be firm, yet at the same time a little affectionate, like a child," the zoo said, adding that a dedicated space has been set up to allow him to live separately when needed.
All three elephants are now housed together in a designated space following discussions with Malaysian staff.
Dara, 14, is described as careful and responsible, frequently watching over her surroundings and looking after the younger Amoi like an elder sister.
"Every time we watch her caring for Amoi, we find ourselves whispering in our hearts, 'Thank you, Dara,'" the zoo wrote.
Amoi, 9, is the liveliest of the three - playful, curious and fond of rolling in mud, tossing sand and adorning herself with dry grass. The zoo noted she is also quick to grab her favourite food before the older elephants can get to it.
The post also touched on the ongoing learning process, with Tennoji Zoo staff saying they are picking up elephant care techniques from their experienced Malaysian counterparts.
"Our new elephant team is working hard to keep up with the elephants' very active movements. We are aware there is still much we need to improve," the zoo said.
In a moment that moved staff, all three elephants were seen sleeping close to one another on their first night in the new enclosure — a sign, the zoo claimed, that elephants only lie down to sleep when they feel safe.
"When we saw that, we were truly moved and could not stop smiling," the post read.
The transfer has drawn scrutiny from the public, with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) urging Zoo Taiping & Night Safari to begin negotiations with Zoo Tennoji on the possibility of bringing the elephants home.
Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup has said the ministry was not party to the original agreement, which was arranged directly between the two zoos on a business-to-business basis by the previous administration.