Why Advocacy Groups Are Calling for a National Registry for Captive Elephants

Three Malaysian elephants—Amoi, Dara, and Kelat—were moved from the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, on 11 March 2026. Since the move, many Malaysians have taken to social media to express concerns about the elephants' well-being .

Is the government keeping an eye on them?

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) says they are closely monitoring the trio. This transfer is part of a 25-year conservation partnership between Taiping Zoo and Night Safari and Tennoji Zoo .

Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh explained that Perhilitan conducted thorough physical and psychological checks before the move to ensure the Japanese zoo met international standards . To help the elephants settle into their new home, mahouts (elephant handlers) have been sent to Japan on a rotational basis to look after them .

Why are people worried?

Critics are concerned because Tennoji Zoo has faced criticism in the past regarding the health and care of its elephants .

Advocacy groups, such as the Asia for Animals Coalition, are calling for more transparency. They want the authorities to share CITES permits and set up an independent body to oversee the elephants' welfare . There is also a growing push for a national registry for captive elephants to make future international transfers more accountable to the public .

Clearing up the rumours

During a recent Dewan Rakyat session, the government addressed claims that 19 elephants had gone "missing" after being sent abroad. Officials clarified that these numbers were unofficial and incorrect .

According to official Perhilitan records, only 10 elephants have been exported overseas since 1977 . The NRES added that they are open to allowing independent observers to visit the elephants, provided that both zoos agree to the arrangement .