Main image via Free Malaysia Today + Malaysiakini
2020 has not been an easy year for us humans, and unfortunately for elephants too.
Earlier this year, reports of the tragic death of a pregnant elephant that was fed firecrackers in a pineapple, devastated millions around the world.
Unfortunately, another elephant has been found dead but this time by suspected poisoning.
via GIPHY
Recently, a female elephant was found dead in an oil plantation in Kinabatangan, Sabah.
A Ladang Leepang 3 plantation worker stumbled upon the carcass of the elephant and while there were no visible bodily injuries due to sharp objects, blood was coming of its mouth.
Wildlife officers are currently investigating the cause of death of the elephant that’s estimated to be around 20-years-old.
Image via Free Malaysia Today
According to Sabah wildlife director Augustine Tuuga, the elephant is believed to had died less than 24 hours before it was discovered by the plantation worker, as the carcass had not rotted and there was no stench yet.
“There was no visible evidence of any physical injury caused by any sharp object,” he said.
“After retrieving the remains, a post-mortem was conducted on Nov 23 by a team led by a SWD veterinatian, with the presence of Kinabatangan police,” the wildlife director added.
“Samples have been taken for investigation and toxicology analysis by the investigating officer,” he continued. “The official post-mortem report has yet to be released.”
The case is currently being investigated under Section 37 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 (for the killing of an animal).
via GIPHY
In other elephant news, wildlife rangers were able to safely capture and translocate a juvenile elephant that had wandered off into another plantation in Kinabatangan.
The 1.3m tall male elephant that was found in the plantation at Kampung Sukau, was brought to the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary within the Kinabatangan wildlife sanctuary, the wildlife director shared.
Image via Free Malaysia Today
We hope that the cause of death of the female elephant will be determined swiftly and justice served accordingly.
Rest in peace elephant.
Info via Malay Mail