Growing outrage online as Malaysians call for the return of elephants Dara, Amoi and Kelat from Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, citing poor conditions.
GROWING outrage is sweeping across social media as Malaysians demand the immediate repatriation of three elephants — Dara, Amoi and Kelat — currently housed at Tennoji Zoo in Japan.
Many allege the animals are being kept in distressing and inadequate conditions.
The online uproar was triggered by viral footage showing Malaysian visitors calling out to the elephants in Malay.
The animals appeared to respond to the familiar voices, a moment that left thousands of viewers visibly emotional.
“My heart shattered watching a video of Malaysian tourists visiting them at Tennoji Zoo and calling out their names… and all three of them responded,” wrote one user, @allaboutksjin, reflecting a sentiment that has since dominated local digital discourse.
Video footage circulating on platforms like TikTok and X has intensified these concerns.
Viewers have pointed to what appear to be barren, concrete-heavy enclosures with minimal greenery or stimulation.
Some clips have raised further alarms regarding the physical condition of the elephants, with one allegedly showing a broken tusk, prompting urgent questions regarding their veterinary care and welfare.
The issue has escalated into a broader public campaign, with netizens tagging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in hopes of a diplomatic intervention.
“Dear @anwaribrahim_my, I am writing to you not just as a citizen, but as a deeply concerned Malaysian who feels a moral responsibility to speak for those who cannot — our elephants,” read one widely circulated open letter.
The post continued: “Reports and firsthand accounts paint a heartbreaking picture: these majestic animals are confined to a harsh, cement enclosure, far removed from the natural environments they are meant to roam. Visitors have even described seeing tears in their eyes.”
Conservationists and netizens alike are now calling for international wildlife organisations to investigate the living standards at the zoo. Experts noted that elephants are highly intelligent and emotionally complex beings that require significant space and social stimulation to prevent psychological “stereotypy” or distress.
As pressure mounts both online and through formal petitions, public attention is firmly fixed on whether the Malaysian authorities will negotiate with their Japanese counterparts to bring Dara, Amoi and Kelat back to a sanctuary in their homeland.
AloJapan.com