Sabah rejects overseas zoo requests for elephants
Liew (seated, centre) speaking to reporters.
KOTA KINABALU (June 23): Sabah has no plans to loan its Bornean elephants to overseas zoos for the time being, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
Liew revealed that several international zoos had expressed interest in borrowing the endangered animals after visiting the state's elephant sanctuaries. However, she turned down the proposals, citing her deep personal attachment to the species.
'I am passionate about elephants. I love them, and I think we are very lucky to have this particular species in Borneo,' she told reporters after a press conference on the 30th Regatta Lepa at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Monday.
Recalling the killing of a local elephant, she said, 'When one of our elephants was murdered, I was very upset for several days — imagine if we had exported them.'
'For now, I said no. Wait until we have more elephants, then I'll think about it,' she added.
On a related note, Liew said her ministry is currently implementing the Bornean Elephant Action Plan for Sabah 2020–2029, supported by both state and federal funding through the State Wildlife Department.
She said elephant centres across the state, including those in Sandakan, Kinabatangan and Lok Kawi, are being upgraded to improve living conditions for the animals.
'There's a lot of work to do, but we are following the guidelines laid out in the ten-year plan. We must stay committed to preserving and ensuring our elephants develop in a healthy way,' she said.
Liew also reaffirmed her ministry's dedication to conservation efforts, especially in preparing the elephants for eventual reintroduction into the wild.
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