A meeting with stakeholders will be held next week to discuss relocating three elephants, Dara, Amoi and Kelat, says Perak exco
IPOH: A meeting with stakeholders has been arranged for next week to discuss in detail the relocation of three elephants – Dara, Amoi and Kelat, said Perak Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching.
She said the state government has taken note of statements issued by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup and Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail on the matter.
“At this stage, a discussion involving stakeholders, including top leadership, has been scheduled for early next week to examine the issue comprehensively.
“The outcome will form the basis of the state government’s official position before a more complete statement is issued,” she said in a statement today.
She added that the state government appreciates the concern shown by various parties and remains committed to ensuring animal welfare is given due attention.
Yesterday, Arthur said proposals from various parties, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to bring back the three Malaysian elephants should be seriously considered.
He said the management of Zoo Taiping & Night Safari (ZTNS) should begin negotiations with Osaka Tennoji Zoo in Japan to assess the requirements and mechanism for repatriating the elephants, as it holds contractual obligations.
On the same day, Wan Rosdy urged ZTNS to take immediate action to bring the elephants back from Tennoji Zoo and place them at the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre in Temerloh.
The elephants were previously sent to Japan as part of conservation and breeding efforts, with careful preparation and monitoring to help them adapt.
