We, the undersigned, respectfully call for an independent international investigation into the transfer of three Asian elephants (dara, amoi & kelat) from the National Elephant Conservation Centre Kuala Gandah, Malaysia, to Japan.
This request is made in light of growing public concern regarding:
- the nature and implementation of the transfer arrangement;
- compliance with the original purpose and permit conditions;
- accountability among the institutions involved;
- and the welfare of the elephants following their relocation overseas.
Publicly available information indicates that:
- Zoo Taiping & Night Safari initially applied for the elephants for breeding and conservation-related purposes;
- the arrangement later developed into a long-term cooperation involving Tennoji Zoo, Osaka, Japan;
- the cooperation reportedly spans 25 years;
- and the elephants are currently being publicly exhibited overseas.
These developments raise important questions regarding:
- whether the current use and placement of the elephants remain aligned with the original conservation and breeding rationale;
- whether permit conditions continue to be fulfilled;
- the extent of oversight retained by Malaysian authorities;
- and whether accountability can be delegated entirely through a business-to-business institutional arrangement involving protected wildlife.
In addition, observable physical changes and signs of stress following the transfer have raised legitimate welfare concerns that require independent veterinary and animal welfare assessment.
We further note that Malaysia possesses established elephant conservation facilities, including the National Elephant Conservation Centre Kuala Gandah, raising reasonable questions as to why domestic conservation alternatives were not prioritized.
Asian elephants are protected wildlife and part of Malaysia's natural heritage. Their management and international transfer should therefore remain subject to transparency, public accountability, and the highest standards of animal welfare and conservation integrity.
The transfer of protected wildlife under the justification of conservation and breeding now raises serious concerns regarding animal welfare, accountability, long-term implementation, and compliance with the original stated purpose of the arrangement.
We therefore respectfully call upon the relevant authorities and international bodies to:
- Conduct an independent review into the transfer process, related agreements, and supporting documentation;
- Assess whether the current placement and use of the elephants comply with the original permit conditions and stated conservation objectives;
- Undertake an independent veterinary and welfare evaluation of the elephants;
- Clarify accountability among all institutions and authorities involved;
- Review whether the long-term arrangement remains consistent with conservation and non-commercial principles;
- Consider the return of the elephants to Malaysia should welfare concerns or inconsistencies be substantiated.
This petition is submitted in good faith in the interest of transparency, accountability, conservation integrity, and animal welfare.
Protected wildlife should never fall into a situation where responsibility becomes unclear once an international transfer has taken place.
Respectfully,
Concerned Individuals and Supporters of Wildlife Welfare
