One jumbo's journey may save her whole species
KOTA KINABALU: Alam the elephant might just hold the key to a better understanding of the endangered Bornean mammal in Sabah.
The 2.3m-tall female elephant was tagged on July 3 at an undisclosed location in central Sabah as part of ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the population and habitat of Sabah's wildlife species, honing in on the Bornean elephant.
According to the Sabah Wildlife Department's Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU), the tracking collar was meant to identify its migration route, gather data for conservation and improve response time if the animal approaches a village or residential area.
'The collar is not just a tool but a hope for a harmonious existence between man and beast,' it said in a Facebook post.
This collaborative effort involves the WRU, Community Elephant Ranger Team Telupid, Sandakan Wildlife Department, Seratu Aatai, Danau Girang Field Centre, Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation, Imagine Borneo and Foundation For Nature.
Collar tagging has been successfully used before on various wildlife and marine species, proving invaluable for researchers and rescuers.
The WRU also shared a recent success story involving a sick female elephant found limping in a Kinabatangan plantation last month.
Upon notification, rangers were dispatched and tracked the elephant to her herd near a logging site. Despite appearing weak, she had no visible injuries.
'Once the animal was sedated and carefully tethered, a thorough examination was conducted,' the WRU said, adding that treatment was administered on-site.
The elephant was later reunited with her herd.
Post-monitoring showed significant improvement, with the elephant gradually regaining strength and walking normally.
'This case highlights how a rapid response in wildlife rescue can be life-changing for animals in distress,' the WRU stated.
The WRU conveyed its gratitude to its sponsors – the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation, Orangutan Appeal UK and Oregon Zoo – saying that their generosity has continued to fuel efforts in protecting and rescuing wildlife.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
One jumbo's journey may save her whole species
Working with the wild: Some of the wildlife handlers with Alam, who has been tagged with a tracking collar as part of ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Bornean elephants. KOTA KINABALU: Alam the elephant might just hold the key to a better understanding of the endangered Bornean mammal in Sabah. The 2.3m-tall female elephant was tagged on July 3 at an undisclosed location in central Sabah as part of ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the population and habitat of Sabah's wildlife species, honing in on the Bornean elephant. According to the Sabah Wildlife Department's Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU), the tracking collar was meant to identify its migration route, gather data for conservation and improve response time if the animal approaches a village or residential area. 'The collar is not just a tool but a hope for a harmonious existence between man and beast,' it said in a Facebook post. This collaborative effort involves the WRU, Community Elephant Ranger Team Telupid, Sandakan Wildlife Department, Seratu Aatai, Danau Girang Field Centre, Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation, Imagine Borneo and Foundation For Nature. Collar tagging has been successfully used before on various wildlife and marine species, proving invaluable for researchers and rescuers. The WRU also shared a recent success story involving a sick female elephant found limping in a Kinabatangan plantation last month. Upon notification, rangers were dispatched and tracked the elephant to her herd near a logging site. Despite appearing weak, she had no visible injuries. 'Once the animal was sedated and carefully tethered, a thorough examination was conducted,' the WRU said, adding that treatment was administered on-site. The elephant was later reunited with her herd. Post-monitoring showed significant improvement, with the elephant gradually regaining strength and walking normally. 'This case highlights how a rapid response in wildlife rescue can be life-changing for animals in distress,' the WRU stated. The WRU conveyed its gratitude to its sponsors – the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation, Orangutan Appeal UK and Oregon Zoo – saying that their generosity has continued to fuel efforts in protecting and rescuing wildlife.
The Star
13-06-2025
- The Star
Sabah's Queen Elizabeth Hospital hailed for its heritage preservation efforts
A view of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, one of two main hospital wings under the Queen Elizabeth Hospital complex, which continues to serve as a key referral centre in Sabah. KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), one of the oldest and most significant medical institutions in the Bornean states, has been recognised for its efforts to preserve historical identity and legacy. A message from Britain's Princess Anne, read during a ceremony at the hospital on Thursday (June 12), praised the state government and key stakeholders for commemorating the hospital's origins through new historical signages, a dedicated gallery, and a documentary titled The Queen's Hospital in Borneo. 'The hospital has provided essential medical treatment for more than 60 years and trained countless doctors and medical specialists, ensuring the people of Sabah receive the best medical care the government can offer,' the message read. Princess Anne, president of the Duke of Edinburgh's Commonwealth Study Conferences, said she was pleased to be reminded of her 1972 visit to Kota Kinabalu with her parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and welcomed the initiative as a symbol of continued collaboration within the Commonwealth. The project, led by the Commonwealth Association of Leadership Malaysia (CALM), was supported by the hospital administration, the Health Ministry, and the Sabah Finance Ministry. QEH was officially named in honour of the British monarch in 1956, following approval from Queen Elizabeth II. It began operations in 1957 with 140 beds, staffed by a single matron, a nurse tutor, and a small pioneer team. Today, the hospital has grown to 775 beds and serves as a major referral centre for the region. State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who officiated the event, said the government had no hesitation in backing the effort. 'Some people may question why we retain Colonial-era names, but history cannot be erased. What matters is how we improve this hospital every day – not what it's called,' he said. Masidi said Sabahans should take pride in the hospital's journey and contributions, especially the sacrifices of frontliners, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'As a Sabahan, I'm proud that some of the most dedicated healthcare workers serve in our hospitals,' he said. He also addressed ongoing infrastructure concerns, particularly parking constraints at QEH and the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital in Likas. 'This is a long-standing issue that we are determined to resolve. The matter has been brought up in Cabinet, and state Health exco Datuk James Ratib will meet with federal officials soon to speed up the process,' he said. Masidi voiced his support for a proposal by state deputy Health director (Medicine) Datuk Dr Abd Kahar Abd Asis for the construction of a new hospital block and a multi-storey car park, adding that he would raise the matter with the Prime Minister, who is also the federal Finance Minister. 'This is a small step in preserving history, but one that we hope will bring pride and benefit to future generations,' Masidi added. Also present at the event were QEH director Dr William Gotulis and CALM president Yap Li Ling.
The Star
04-06-2025
- The Star
Snare traps remain a threat to Sabah wildlife
Bath time: A WRU ranger caring for Taburi at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. KOTA KINABALU: It has been almost three years but Taburi the elephant is still bearing the scar from a leg wound she suffered after getting tangled in a wire snare. Taburi was a calf of just about 1.2m in height when she was discovered by estate workers who heard her cries at an oil palm estate in Lahad Datu. They found the calf, scared and injured, and called the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) which sent a team from the Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU). The calf was brought to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where round-the-clock attention was given by WRU rangers. Given the name Taburi, the elephant has since been thriving in the wildlife sanctuary it now calls home. WRU, in a Facebook post yesterday to highlight the dangers of snares, said Taburi was one of the 'lucky' ones as many other animals did not survive. 'Snare traps are cruel and indiscriminate. It takes only a single wire to destroy a life. Most victims are never seen. They die hidden, alone, and in pain,' it said. The rescue unit said Taburi's story is a call to action. 'Say no to snare traps. Support wildlife conservation and protection efforts. Let's make our forests safe again. Every life matters. Every trap removed saves a future,' said WRU. SWD director Soffian Abu Bakar said snare traps remain a threat to wildlife in Sabah. Throughout the years of operations against these traps, he said community rangers have found that there are a number of active traps in the jungles. 'We have also found traps set up for birds,' he said when contacted. Soffian said the department would continue to deal with issues linked to poaching through initiatives such as hiring community rangers and collaborating with other agencies to fight against wildlife crime. 'We have community rangers employed under the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3) working with our department officials and rangers,' he added.
