Examining Malaysia's Elephant Transfer to Japan

Examining Malaysia's Elephant Transfer to Japan

July 6, 2026 · 39 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the controversial transfer of Malaysian elephants to Japan, focusing on legal, welfare, and transparency issues.

The transfer of three Malaysian elephants to Japan has sparked widespread debate over the past few months. While the move was described as a conservation partnership between two zoos, campaigners have questioned whether the transfer complied with Malaysian law, raised concerns about the elephants' welfare, and called for greater transparency over how the decision was made. In this conversation, we unpack the key issues surrounding the case, from the legal questions and ongoing investigations, to what experts say about the elephants' condition and why many believe this matters beyond just these three animals. Joining us to do that are Rajesh Nagarajan, animal rights lawyer and President of Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (PEKA Malaysia); Vimala Raghavan, Secretary-General of PEKA Malaysia ; Datin Shereen Yunos, animal rights activist and member of Kembalikan DAK and representing the Selamatkan DAK coalition; and Dr William Keith Lindsay, a wildlife ecologist and conservation biologist.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Guests: Rajesh Nagarajan, Vimala Raghavan, Datin Shereen Yunos, Dr William Keith Lindsay

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia, Kembalikan DAK, Selamatkan DAK coalition

Places: Malaysia, Japan

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