KOTA KINABALU: The carcass of a Bornean pygmy elephant was spotted floating down the Kinabatangan River on Wednesday afternoon (Sept 30), prompting a search operation by state wildlife authorities.
Local residents first sighted the carcass drifting toward the Sukau area at approximately 4.30pm. Video footage of the floating elephant subsequently circulated on social media.
Sabah Wildlife Department Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar confirmed that officials were notified of the sighting. However, the department’s Kinabatangan personnel were unable to reach the scene immediately on Wednesday evening due to logistical constraints.
Search operations commenced early Thursday morning (Oct1).
"As of now, I have yet to receive detailed information regarding the recovered carcass," Mohd Soffian told Sinar Harian on Thursday.
He added that the department received unverified public reports alleging the elephant had been ill prior to its death, though no formal complaint was lodged with the Kinabatangan office before the carcass was discovered.
Wildlife officers are currently working to locate the carcass to determine the cause of death.
