Malaysia's Natural Resources Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup is calling for the return of three elephants sent to Japan, citing concerns over the climate's suitability and an injury sustained by one elephant. Public protests have also urged the government to bring the animals home.

The three Malaysian elephants sent to Osaka in Japan from Zoo Taiping and Night Safari should be brought home, according to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup. Arthur made the call amid concerns that Japan’s climate is unsuitable for the elephants and that one of them, Kelat, has suffered an injury. Last Friday, a group of protesters gathered outside the ministry, urging the government to bring the elephants back. They cited welfare concerns following...