Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (Mazpa) has made several recommendations to the Kemaman Zoo, following an investigations into claims that animals there were mistreated.

Mazpa chairperson Kevin Lazarus told Malaysiakini that there were some shortcomings, but it was not done intentionally.

"I wouldn't say the zoo is in poor condition, but there is definitely room for improvement," he said.

Mazpa has initiated investigations following allegations made by Malaysian Friends of the Animals (MFOTA) and Friends of the Orangutans Malaysia (Foto).

The two groups said they had photographic evidence of an elephant calf being chained, and a baby orangutan being kept in a tiny cage, among other allegations.

Following this, the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) denied all allegations.

However, Lazarus' and his team revealed that the allegation on the chaining of the elephant was in fact true.

He said that the elephant was being trained at the material time because the electric fence was being fixed.

"(But) when I went there, the elephant was not chained and there was no sign of stress," he said.

He said that his team had conducted a body mass index test on the cow elephant showed that it was healthy, while the bull elephant – that was depicted in chains – was slightly underweight.

"We have suggested them to increase the diet of the male elephant by increasing the food intake quantity especially when they take the elephant for a walk," he said.

Lazarus also said that he was told that the elephant will be moved to a new exhibit in three months time, as the current exhibit was not very big.

Meanwhile, Lazarus said some of the female orangutan were overweight, and suggested a change in diet.

"We recommended some diet change. There should be more vegetables like carrots, cucumbers and less fruits such as papaya," he said.

He also urged the zoo to add more climbing platforms in order for the animals to exercise.

On allegations that the baby orangutan was kept in a tiny cage, Lazarus said his team had established that the animal had to be quarantined briefly due to an eye infection.