Captured wild elephant dies before relocation

JERTIH: The male elephant captured in Kampung Padang Tapong here on Saturday (Jan 29) was found dead on Monday (Jan 31).

Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Loo Kean Seong said the elephant, aged about 15 years old, died at about 2.30pm Monday.

"I received the sad news from a staff member working in the field and a post-mortem has been done to determine the cause of death.

"I am waiting for the post-mortem report. The elephant will be buried at the spot where it was chained,” Loo said when contacted by Bernama Tuesday (Feb 1).

He said the elephant, which weighed about two tonnes, was supposed to have been relocated with the help of tame elephants on Wednesday (Feb 2).

Perhilitan sprung into action after receiving complaints from villagers that the wild bull elephant had been roaming the village of late.

On Saturday, the department subdued it with tranquilisers before it was chained to a tree pending relocation. - Bernama