The owner of the Langkawi Nature Park has clarified that the death of its chimpanzee Sumomo was caused by a medical condition and not by a shooting, as previously alleged.

In an email to Malaysiakini, Sentoria Group Bhd said the shooting claim was “not true and false.”

“The death was due to chronic renal failure, and all related technical reports have been forwarded to the investigation team from the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan),” a company representative said.

Sentoria also pointed to a previous press statement which stated that the 19-year-old chimpanzee had died despite being given treatment and regular inspections by the park’s resident veterinarian.

Sumomo’s death is presently subject to a Perhilitan investigation, after NGO Friends of the Orangutans urged the department to be transparent about the incident.

Sentoria stressed it was mulling legal action against those who continue to make allegations against the company, saying that its “tolerance for freedom of expression is wearing thin.”

“Despite taking great pains to post explanations transparently on social media and being subjected to investigations by Perhilitan, there are still those who are persistent in belittling and discrediting our efforts, as well as tarnishing our image and reputation,” it said.

The company did not specify who it was planning legal action against.

No elephants yet

Friends of the Orangutans had previously urged Perhilitan against transferring two Asian elephants to the Langkawi Nature Park, due to the way elephants were allegedly being mistreated at a Pahang safari also owned by Sentoria.

To this, the company denied committing “inappropriate actions” against any of the animals under its care. It also said all its operations adhered to the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.

“Currently, there are no elephants at our Langkawi Nature Park enclosures, although we have plans for future placement.

“We understand that our request for such placement has been kept in abeyance, and may be considered if our park’s elephant enclosures meet the desired strict standard of compliance.

“Minor recommendations (by Perhilitan) to upgrade the facilities, in particular pertaining to the elephant enclosure is ongoing to meet the strict standard of compliance,” the company said.

Perhilitan previously told Malaysiakini that it had audited Langkawi Nature Park and would continue to keep a close watch on its elephant enclosures.