Borneo elephant dies from suspected poisoning near Lahad Datu

A female Borneo elephant was found dead near the Malua forest reserve here. - NSTP/courtesy of Sabah Wildlife Department

By Olivia Miwil - April 11, 2020 @ 11:45am

LAHAD DATU: A female Borneo elephant was found dead near the Malua forest reserve here.

Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) director Augustine Tuuga said a preliminary post-mortem found that the elephant, estimated to be between 5 and 10 years old, had no external injuries.

“A post-mortem was conducted three days ago and its death could be due to poisoning.

“We are still waiting for laboratory results,” he told the New Straits Times, adding that the report found an enlarged liver, petechial bleeding on the spleen and kidneys, ulcerated and a haemorrhagic stomach lining, as well as a congested tongue.

In February, it was reported that five elephants in Sabah died, most of them having been poisoned.

Meanwhile, Augustine said that the department had transferred a juvenile elephant from Felda Sahabat here to the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in the state capital for treatment.

“The elephant, about a year-old, was found to have eyesight problems about a month ago.

“As it would be costly for our staff to treat it in another district (due to travelling cost), the SWD team decided to bring it back to the state capital two days ago for treatment,” he added.

As of yesterday, the team reported good progress on the elephant's right eye, which started to show positive menace reflex.

However, there was no response from the left eye and both pupils are not visible due to a whitish exudate.

As for the Movement Control Order (MCO), Augustine said that three wildlife centres under the SWD are operating as normal, except for there being no visitors.

“All our centres, such as Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Elephant Sanctuary are operating as usual.

“There are no issues on food supply as the state government has covered the contract,” said Augustine.