Assafal (blue shirt) and Augustine (second right, seat) while looking at the Wildlife Rescue Unit personnel treating the injured elephant. Also seen: The elephant’s injured foot.
LAHAD DATU: A two-years-old elephant was found weak and alone, believed separated from it’s group due to it’s injury at Sungai Taliwas Forest Reserve today.
Sabah Wildlife Department director, Augustine Tuuga said the elephant was found with injuries on it’s right foot believed after stepping into the poacher’s trap.
Augustine said the elephant was believed to be left behind due to it’s condition.
“The wounds are getting worst as the trap getting tighter while they are moving,” he said, when met while accompanying the State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Assafal P Alian to Kawag Tourism Centre.
While visiting the elephant, about 300 meters from the Kawag’s main road, the elephant was accompanied by officer and medical practitioner from the Lahad Datu Wildlife Department.
The elephant has been given anesthesia so that it could be treat and relocate.
Meanwhile, Assafal expressed his grievance towards the condition of the elephant and urged the community to be more alert and take responsibility towards the elephants.
Assafal said this is not the first case and enforcement should be enhanced according to the law.
During his visitto Kawag Tourism centre, Assafal also expressed his satisfaction with the facilities provided at the centre and hopes the service will continue to be upgrade according to the demand.