Rescued jumbo dies of injuries caused by snare trap

KOTA KINABALU: A juvenile male Bornean pygmy elephant has died a week after he was found with an injury on his front left leg caused by a snare trap at Ulu Segama Forest Reserve, Lahad Datu.

Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) public relations officer Siti Nur'Ain Ampuan Acheh said the five-year-old pachyderm died on the way to the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary in Kinabatangan at about 8.40am on Sunday (Sept 2).

Siti Nur'Ain said the elephant was rescued on Aug 26 after it was found with an injury on its leg caused by the trapping device.

She added that a team comprising a veterinarian and wildlife rangers was dispatched to the location to rescue the injured animal.

One of the last pictures taken of the weakened elephant before it succumbed to its injuries.

"They managed to capture the elephant and initiated treatment. He suffered a severe and deep wound which had already reached the bone.

"The elephant was also in poor physical condition and weak," she said.

Siti Nur'Ain said the animal did not respond well to the treatment and died while being transported to the sanctuary for further treatment.

"Post-mortem was conducted to determine the cause of death.

"Findings revealed that the elephant died due to septicaemia which originated from the severe snare trap injury," she explained.

SWD is investigating the manager of the adjoining plantation.

The latest death brings to 26 the number of elephants killed this year.