MELAKA: Datin Sapiah Haron has stated that a White Bengal tiger named Elsa, housed in Melaka Zoo, is unwell due to a spinal cord disorder from birth and not because of mistreatment.
As the president of the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ), Sapiah explained that when Elsa was acquired at nine months old in 2019, she only weighed 50kg. Currently, her weight has increased to 80kg due to a specialized diet monitored closely by veterinarians.
MPHTJ oversees the management of Melaka Zoo, and Sapiah emphasized that Elsa’s condition has nothing to do with mistreatment.
Sapiah also stated that Elsa is given five kilos of chicken daily, and although she only consumes 80% of the food served, her feeding regime is closely monitored by the Wildlife and National Parks Department.
The zookeepers constantly pamper Elsa due to her health condition and maintain a careful watch over her to ensure her well-being.
To inform visitors about Elsa’s actual health condition, a signboard will be placed at her enclosure by Melaka Zoo, Sapiah added. The facility houses a total of 12 wild cats, including Malayan Tigers, lions, and panthers.
A visitor recently posted concerns about Elsa’s condition on social media, suspecting mistreatment, prompting the clarification from Sapiah.
