KOTA KINABALU – A female elephant calf that was found in Felda Sahabat 5 in Tungku, Lahad Datu, had to have its right foot chopped off after it was severed by a snare trap.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the public had alerted the Wildlife Department of the calf’s condition on June 18.
“A team of rangers were deployed and were able to track down the calf at Felda Sahabat 5, an oil palm estate. The calf looked no older than two years old and was injured on the right leg due to a snare trap.
“On June 20, a follow-up check up saw the injury almost severed the animal’s foot as the snare wounds are too deep.
“To avoid septic wound, the foot had to be amputated by veterinary officers, treating the elephant,” he said here today.
Expressing his disappointment over the incident, Jafry said the procedure had to be done in order for it to survive, although the elephant will no longer roam freely with her herd.
“At this age, the calf still needs its mother to feed her and to interact with her herd,” he said.
The state minister warned the public that anyone setting traps aimed at injuring any wildlife will face a five-year prison sentence and a fine of up to RM100,000 under the Sabah Wildlife Enactment 1997.
Currently, the authorities are offering a RM5,000 reward to anyone who can provide information that will lead to the arrests of the reprehensible individuals responsible for the crime. – The Vibes, June 21, 2022
