Vets, rangers praised for saving elephant
The effort of veterinarians and rangers in rescuing an elephant calf stuck in a mud hole at Sukau, Kinabatangan, has earned the praises of the state government.
A five-member team from Sabah Wildlife Department, Wildlife Rescue Unit and Melangking Oil Palm Plantation, led by veterinarian Dr Navanita Roopan, had saved the calf’s life.
“The team’s efforts to rescue an elephant calf from its near watery grave on Dec 27 is commendable.
“They rushed to the site after receiving a report of a trapped baby elephant, and managed to pull it out of the hole.
“Their prompt action saved the calf,” said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew in a statement.
Liew, who is also state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said the calf did not sustain any severe injuries and was released to its mother on the spot.
According to reports, when the team arrived there, they found the mother elephant and the herd helplessly surrounding the spot.
A plantation worker initially offered a backhoe in the rescue mission but the team members decided to conduct the rescue work themselves as the calf, its mother and the herd appeared stressed.