KOTA KINABALU: A wild female elephant has died after falling into an old sewage tank hole at the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) in Lahad Datu.
A police report was lodged after the incident was reported to the Sabah Wildlife Department's Lahad Datu branch on the night of Oct 31 by conservation and research officers.
According to a statement from the Sabah Wildlife Department, a team went to the location and found the elephant still alive but the rescue could not proceed as a herd of elephants was nearby, posing a safety risk.
A subsequent inspection at 1pm on Nov 1 confirmed the animal had died.
Physical inspection showed no external injuries or signs of foul play.
The carcass was buried at the DVFC site between 5.15pm and 6.40pm the same day under the instruction of the Lahad Datu wildlife officer.
Initial findings indicate the elephant fell into the old sewage structure, which was not fully sealed.
This is the first elephant death reported in the Danum Valley area in 2025.
The case has been classified as "refer to other agency" and handed to the Sabah Wildlife Department for further action.
