1 May 2026, Kuala Lumpur - Recent public reaction to the situation involving three Malaysian elephants in Tennoji Zoo, Dara, Amoi, and Kelat, reflects something important. Malaysians care deeply about the welfare of wildlife. That concern is valid. It should not be dismissed.

At WWF-Malaysia, we share this concern. Elephants are sentient, social animals with intricate needs. Any situation that raises questions about their well-being deserves attention, scrutiny, and a measured response guided by science, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to animal welfare.

We welcome the statement by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, and the Minister, Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup, in considering options that reflect public interest to bring these elephants home. Decisions of this nature must prioritize animal health, long-term welfare, and international cooperation. They must be guided by expertise and careful assessment.

It is also important to be clear about roles. WWF-Malaysia does not manage elephants in captivity, nor do we oversee decisions related to zoological institutions. Our mandate focuses on elephants in the wild, whose future is under constant pressure. In Malaysia, wild elephant populations face habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and increasing human-elephant conflict. These are urgent challenges that require sustained, science-based intervention and partnerships with stakeholders.

And that said, we are not indifferent to the current situation. We are engaging relevant stakeholders to better understand the circumstances and to ensure that any decisions made are informed by animal welfare considerations and sound conservation principles.

WWF-Malaysia remains committed to protecting elephants in Malaysia, securing their habitats, reducing conflict, combatting poaching, and ensuring that future generations inherit a landscape where elephants can survive and thrive.

Together Possible.

About WWF-Malaysia

Established in 1972, WWF-Malaysia is part of WWF, the international conservation organisation. Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife, WWF-Malaysia’s efforts to conserve nature focus on six major goals - forests, oceans, wildlife, food, climate and energy, as well as freshwater – and three key drivers of environmental problems – markets, finance and governance. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

Find our latest news here:
https://www.wwf.org.my/media_and_information/media_centre_and_updates/