KOTA KINABALU: A herd of 11 pygmy elephants, including a calf, was rescued after being trapped in an unused pond near the Deramakot Forest Reserve in Kinabatangan.
The elephants have been unable to climb out of the pond since last week due to the steep, slippery embankment.
The Kinabatangan Wildlife Department dispatched a team to the site after receiving information from farm workers about the stranded elephants, a Facebook post by the Sabah Wildlife Department stated.
Wildlife rangers carried out a rescue operation using an excavator to create a safe path for the elephants to leave the pond without serious injuries.
They found the farm’s location close to rivers and wetland areas, which are part of the elephants’ natural habitat, increasing the likelihood of recurrences.
To prevent it, the department recommended that the pond be cordoned off or fitted with suitable safety barriers.
“This case demonstrates the importance of cooperation between agencies, estates and the community in safeguarding wildlife,” it said. “Every small action and early report from the public can make a big difference in protecting Sabah’s iconic species for future generations.”
