IPOH, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The behaviour of Amoi, one of three elephants known as Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK), biting a hay net in a viral video is not in itself an indication of stress, starvation or compromised animal welfare, according to the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT).
MPT president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan said hay nets are among the environmental enrichment equipment widely used in zoos and wildlife conservation centres worldwide, including at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, where the three elephants are currently housed.
He said the method is designed to encourage elephants to forage, pull and manipulate food in ways that mimic their natural behaviour, while extending feeding time, stimulating physical and mental activity and reducing boredom.
"Among elephants, it is common for them to use their trunks, tusks or mouths to pull, bite or manipulate enrichment equipment while obtaining food.
"Amoi's behaviour in the viral video is part of her interaction with the equipment and is continuously monitored by zookeepers to ensure it is safe to use," he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Akmal said MPT had also been informed that Japan is currently experiencing summer temperatures, prompting Tennoji Zoo to strengthen its welfare management measures by providing adequate shaded areas, bathing pools and wallowing mud pits.
He said this allows the elephants to cool down naturally, supplemented by regular water spraying, a continuous supply of clean drinking water and more frequent health monitoring by zookeepers and veterinary officers.
Daily routines and feeding schedules have also been adjusted according to weather conditions to ensure the comfort and well-being of all three elephants, he added.
"Taiping Municipal Council remains in close contact with Tennoji Zoo and receives regular reports on the status of the three elephants.
"This cooperation ensures that every aspect of their health, welfare, nutrition and management consistently meets the standards agreed upon under the joint programme between both parties," he said.
Mohamed Akmal said the three Malaysian Asian elephants were in good health, active and continued to receive regular monitoring by the zoo's zookeepers and veterinary officers.
Based on the latest reports received, he said, all three elephants were showing positive progress in terms of health, appetite, behaviour and adaptation to their new environment.
He said MPT appreciated the public's concern over the welfare of the DAK elephants, but advised against drawing conclusions from short video clips or footage viewed without its full context.
"Any information regarding the condition of the three elephants will continue to be shared based on official reports from Tennoji Zoo and ongoing monitoring by both parties.
"MPT remains committed to ensuring that the welfare, health and well-being of Kelat, Dara and Amoi remain the utmost priority throughout the conservation cooperation programme between Taiping Zoo & Night Safari and Tennoji Zoo," he said.
-- BERNAMA