AYER KEROH: The Malacca Zoo has denied that its white Bengal tiger, Elsa, which was placed at its care and exhibit area was not properly cared for.
Following the issue which went viral on social media platforms, Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) president Datin Sapiah Haron said the white tiger has instead been suffering from bone-related health issues since birth.
She added that the condition had affected Elsa's jaw, lower spine and back which affected her diet, compared with other tigers.
"In fact, due to the prolonged health conditions inherited from her family members, Elsa, who is now seven years old is affectionate and requires assistance from her caregiver to consume five kilograms (kg) of chicken meat daily.
"However, the tiger is in good health and she weighs around 70kg compared to 50kg when first brought to the zoo in 2019.
"She also requires a special diet that is observed by the veterinarian as she cannot exceed a certain weight that causes difficulties for her to move," she said during the visit to the Malacca Zoo, today.
The visit was due to the 22-second video that was widely circulated on social media platforms, portraying Elsa's weak condition due to being starved.
Following this, Sapiah denied that the zoo management had neglected the tiger's wellbeing at its premises.
"It is not true (on what went viral) because the diet is based on the advice given by the veterinarian and Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), hence, we give based on the fixed portion.
"We also often do observations in terms of the animal's health condition, hence, there is no issue of animals being thin due to starvation.
"In fact, most of the animals here are obese until the wildlife department has requested us to control their weight," he said.
She added that to ensure such viral incidents do not recur, the zoo management would also place signage on the animal's condition at the zoo.
The Malacca Zoo currently has 627 animals involving 300 species.