KINABATANGAN: A herd of 11 elephants, including a calf, has been rescued after falling into an abandoned water pond near the Deramakot Forest Reserve here.
The incident occurred last week when the herd—comprising one young elephant and 10 adults—found themselves trapped. Steep and slippery embankments prevented them from climbing out of the pond.
The Kinabatangan district wildlife office received a tip-off from farm workers who had spotted the stranded animals. A rescue team was immediately despatched to the scene. With the help of an excavator, wildlife rangers carved out a safe path for the elephants to exit the pond without sustaining serious injuries.
Rangers noted that the farm is located close to rivers and wetlands—part of the elephants’ natural habitat—making similar incidents likely to recur. To prevent future occurrences, the Wildlife Department has recommended that the abandoned pond either be closed off or fitted with appropriate safety barriers.
“This case demonstrates the importance of cooperation between government agencies, estates, and the local community in safeguarding wildlife,” a spokesperson for the department said. “Every small action and early reports from the public can make a big difference in protecting Sabah’s iconic species for future generations.” – James Leong
Photo of the trapped elephants.
