Protect Malaysia’s Elephants: Return Dara, Amoi and Kelat and Stop Wildlife Transfers Overseas

We are calling for urgent public attention regarding the transfer of three Malaysian elephants — Dara, Amoi and Kelat — who reportedly departed from Malaysia on 10 March 2026 for Tennoji Zoo.

These elephants were previously under the care of the National Elephant Conservation Centre Kuala Gandah, a well-known elephant conservation facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and protection of elephants in Malaysia. Many Malaysians are deeply saddened that elephants from a conservation centre have now been sent overseas to live in a zoo environment.

Elephants are highly intelligent, emotional and socially complex animals that require vast natural spaces, environmental enrichment and strong social bonds with other elephants. Around the world, animal welfare experts have repeatedly raised serious concerns about keeping elephants in urban zoos due to the physical and psychological suffering it can cause.

Many wildlife supporters fear that once Dara, Amoi and Kelat arrive in Japan, they may spend the rest of their lives confined for exhibition rather than living in an environment that prioritises their welfare, natural behaviour and long-term well-being.

These concerns are further heightened by previous animal welfare issues reported in Japanese zoos. For example, the case of Hanako has previously drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates regarding elephant welfare in captivity.

In addition, there have been petitions launched by Japanese animal welfare activists and NGOs calling for the closure of Elephants exhibit at Tennoji Zoo (https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/906/427/809/) due to concerns about the welfare standards and living conditions of animals in the facility.

There are also historical concerns involving Malaysian elephants previously sent overseas. One example is Cik Ubi (also known as Mito), a Malaysian elephant given to Kyoto City Zoo on 8 August 1979, who was reportedly listed by animal welfare NGOs as one of the elephants monitored due to concerns about neglect and welfare conditions.

Another widely known case is Billy, a Malaysian elephant sent to the Los Angeles Zoo, whose welfare has long been the subject of international concern. For many years, global animal welfare activists and organisations have campaigned for Billy's release to a sanctuary, highlighting the serious welfare challenges elephants face in zoo environments.

These documented concerns have raised serious questions among Malaysians about whether the welfare of Dara, Amoi and Kelat can truly be guaranteed in a zoo environment overseas.

We therefore respectfully call on the governments of Malaysia and Japan, as well as the management of Tennoji Zoo, to urgently review this transfer and prioritise the long-term welfare of these elephants.

We strongly urge both governments to facilitate the safe return of Dara, Amoi and Kelat back to Malaysia, where they can continue to live in a conservation environment more suitable to their natural needs.

Furthermore, we call on the Government of Malaysia to reconsider and halt any future programmes involving the exchange, gifting or transfer of Malaysian wildlife to foreign zoos, particularly when such animals originate from rescue or conservation centres.

Malaysia's wildlife is part of the nation's natural heritage and biodiversity. Animals rescued and protected under conservation programmes should remain within environments that prioritise their welfare and ecological role rather than being transferred for exhibition.

Concerned individuals, animal welfare advocates and members of the public from Malaysia and around the world will continue to follow this situation closely. We hope that transparency, dialogue and responsible action will take place to ensure the welfare and dignity of these elephants.

Dara, Amoi and Kelat deserve a life with space, dignity and proper care — not a lifetime in confinement.

We call on the global community to stand with us, support this petition, and urge the authorities to RETURN Dara, Amoi and Kelat to Malaysia.

Please stand with us and speak up for them.