No neglect, just ‘musth’: Taiping Municipal Council clarifies Malaysian elephant Kelat’s absence at Osaka Zoo (opens original article in a new tab)

The Taiping Municipal Council clarified that Malaysian elephant Kelat's absence at Osaka Zoo was due to a musth management procedure, not neglect, and confirmed the animal's health and welfare.

• Taiping Municipal Council clarified that Kelat's absence from public viewing at Osaka Zoo was due to musth management, not neglect.
• Kelat was temporarily separated for safety, and has since been reintroduced to other elephants Dara and Amoi with normal behavior.
• The council denied claims of welfare issues, stating all elephants are healthy, well-fed, and monitored by zoo staff.