KOTA KINABALU – An elephant calf under the care of Borneo Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan, east coast of Kota Kinabalu was euthanised when all attempts to save her failed.
2-year-old Nita was only about 1-month-old when she was found by the Sabah Wildlife Department.
She had already sustained injuries then and was brought to the sanctuary to be treated, said the department’s director Augustine Tuuga.
“Nita was an elephant calf rescued (from) an oil palm estate in Tawau.
“It is believed that she was left behind during an elephant control operation conducted by authorities, as she could not keep up with the herd.
“The calf sustained injuries and wounds that needed to be treated, hence, it was brought to Borneo Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan,” said Tuuga.
Nita was limping in her enclosure and radiographs taken of her showed broken bones.
The calf was diagnosed with supracondylar fracture.
“The vets did a procedure to put fiberglass cast on the limb in the hope of treating the fracture.
“A team of orthopaedic specialists from Hospital Duchess of Kent Sandakan was also consulted” said Tuuga.
However, Nita did not show any signs of improving and her health got worse.
“The fractures she sustained were beyond repair and the vets had to make the hardest decision to end her misery.
“We grieve for the loss of such a sweetheart,” said Tuuga. – The Vibes, March 12, 2021
