KOTA KINABALU: The roles and capabilities of the Bornean Elephant Sanctuary (BES) must be enhanced for both conservation and tourism, says Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
During her visit to the BES in Kinabatangan, off Sandakan on Monday (Jan 20), Liew urged the Sabah Wildlife Department to take action.
Established in 2013, the BES is an integral part of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and is home to two adult, four juvenile, and two baby elephants.
Liew noted the potential for conservation and tourism development, as only 32 hectares of the 26,000-hectare Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary have been developed to date.
"Visitors who are unable to spot elephants along the Kinabatangan River by boat will come to the BES for a close-up view of the mammals," said Liew, who was impressed with the Visitor's Information Centre there.
District Wildlife Officer for Kinabatangan and Tongod, Sylvia Alsisto, explained that the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, gazetted in 2005, is a vital area for wildlife conservation in Sabah.
The sanctuary is home to various species, including fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, with 10 primate and eight hornbill species.
The BES serves multiple roles: a temporary holding facility for rescued elephants, a treatment facility for injured elephants, and a training and rehabilitation centre.
It also functions as a research and resource centre for Bornean Elephants, an information and tourism centre, a training facility for handling elephants in captivity, and a nature centre for conservation education.
During Liew’s visit, she had a close encounter with two baby elephants, Agatis, a two-year-old female, and Amuak, an 18-month-old male, and had the opportunity to feed them carrots.
Agatis and Amuak consume 25 litres and 20 litres of milk daily, respectively.
According to Alsisto, Agatis was found injured and rescued from a nearby plantation after being separated from its herd about two years ago.
Also present was SWD Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar.
Liew did not provide details on the current state of the BES, amid concerns from some environmentalists about the condition of its facilities and some rescued animals.
