Thursday, September 15, 2016
By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.my
TRAPPED: Sabah Wildlife Department personnel save two adults in herd.
TAWAU: Seven elephants have died after being trapped in a 3m-deep mud pool for at least one week.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga ruled out foul play, based on post-mortem and investigation reports.
The herd, believed to have gone to the pool to cool down and bathe, might have underestimated the depth of the old water-filled quarry near the Berkat Saga Timber Camp here.
On Saturday, district wildlife officers received information from the public about the trapped elephants.
"The wildlife office and rescue units launched a massive rescue mission and used heavy machinery from a nearby timber concession area to try and pull out the animals," Augustine said in a statement yesterday.
"Two adults, a juvenile and two newborns were already dead as they had been stuck in the pool for at least a week."
He said two elpehants had to be put to sleep as they were weak, dehydrated and blind.
Another two elephants, one male and a female, which appeared to be healthy, had returned to the jungle.
Augustine said the pool had been filled to prevent similar mishaps.
"I advise parties that have made similar excavations to fill up or fence up these areas if they are no longer in use to prevent a possible recurrence, especially in the areas frequented by elephants."
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