Oldest captive elephant in Malaysia dies

Lokimala (left) helping to lead a wild male elephant at the Hutan Simpan Hulu Terengganu near Kampung Kemat, Hulu Terengganu in 2011. (STORY BERNAMA)

PETALING JAYA: The country's oldest elephant, Lokimala, has died at the age of 86 due to old age.

The female elephant, which died at the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre (PKGK) in Lanchang, was brought to the country from Assam, India in 1974.

She was involved in many operations to pacify and relocate more than 150 wild male elephants to conservation centres. Lokimala was said to be friendly, docile and "hardworking".

PKGK chief Che Ku Mohd Zamzuri Chik Wan Ab Rahman said Lokimala was "attached" with the elephant management and welfare unit.

"Lokimala was brought to this country along with three other elephants; Ganesh, La Bahadul and Paul Bahadul to aid in the relocation of wild elephants.

"Apart from that Lokimala was also involved in entertainment programmes for visitors to the centre."

Zamzuri said Lokimala had been unwell in the last few years, leading to a decision by the centre's management to take it off from the elephant operations team.

"Lokimala was attended by a staff member who took care of her well-being, including for treatment and diet.

"Lokimala is about the same age as another elephant named 'Lin Wang' in Taipei Zoo, which made a name in the Guiness Book of World Record as the oldest back in 2003."

Lokimala's handler, M. Shujaei Aziz, 46, said he had the pleasure of caring for the elephant over the years.

"I am sad over her passing. Lokimala was easy to care for, loyal and friendly."