By: Zaki Salleh
TAIPING – Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) has clarified that a viral photo claiming that Kelat, a Malaysian elephant at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, appeared excessively thin does not accurately reflect the animal’s actual condition.
MPT said Kelat had indeed experienced a weight loss of approximately 100 kilograms while undergoing the musth phase, which has continued since August 18.
However, Kelat’s health remains good and under control, and she has continued to display active behaviour throughout the period.
According to MPT, Kelat has also continued to cooperate well during training sessions and has shown positive responses towards her keepers.
“Tennoji Zoo also reported that Kelat has been seen following her keepers during morning and evening rounds on several occasions.
“At the same time, signs of Kelat’s musth are being monitored in greater detail by the zoo.
“These include increased secretion from the temporal glands, as well as persistent wetness on the inner thighs caused by urine.
“Thread-like bodily fluid has also been observed as one of the signs associated with the musth phase,” MPT said in a statement.
Tennoji Zoo will continue recording and measuring the amount of temporal gland secretions, urine and other related signs to monitor Kelat’s condition.
MPT said an elephant’s condition should be assessed comprehensively based on its behaviour, food intake, body weight, as well as observations by keepers and veterinary personnel.
Zoo Taiping & Night Safari also continues to obtain the latest updates from Tennoji Zoo to ensure Kelat’s welfare is closely monitored.
Earlier, Coordinator of the DAK Solidarity Secretariat, Neow Choo Seong, urged MPT and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) to immediately conduct comprehensive mandatory health examinations on the three elephants, Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK).
He said an independent Malaysian veterinary team should be sent to Tennoji Zoo within 14 days to conduct a direct physical examination without restrictions.
