SHAH ALAM – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) Asia has called on Malaysian authorities to prioritise long-term animal welfare over continued captivity, following public demands for the return of three Malaysian elephants currently housed in Japan.
The organisation’s statement comes after increasing scrutiny surrounding the condition of elephants Dara, Amoi and Kelat, who were transferred from Zoo Taiping & Night Safari to Tennoji Zoo on March 11.
“After public calls to return Dara, Amoi and Kelat from Japan to Malaysia, Peta is urging officials not to send them to yet another zoo.
“These elephants deserve freedom from confinement,” the organisation said.
Peta added that it stands ready to help relocate the elephants to a reputable sanctuary where they can finally live with dignity, companionship and care.
The statement follows a recent post published by Tennoji Zoo on its official website, where the zoo released a series of photographs of the elephants and stated that the animals were in good condition under its care.
The post, written in Japanese, was shared amid growing public concern and online discussions surrounding the elephants’ well-being and living conditions following their relocation to Japan.
The case has since sparked broader debate over wildlife diplomacy, animal welfare standards and the ethical implications of keeping highly social and intelligent animals in captivity.
Animal welfare advocates and members of the public have increasingly called for greater transparency and independent monitoring regarding the condition of the elephants overseas.
The elephants – Dara, Amoi and Kelat – have become the focus of mounting advocacy efforts, with campaigners arguing that long-term sanctuary care would provide a more suitable environment compared to conventional zoo confinement.