KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 — An injured wild male elephant has captured national attention after embarking on a journey across the Titiwangsa Range along the East-West Highway (JRTB) to return to his home habitat in Gua Musang, Kelantan, just days after being relocated to Gerik, Perak.
Affectionately named Sulong Chalil, the elephant has drawn widespread sympathy across social media as he treks eastward along the highway shoulder despite nursing an injury to his right front leg.
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) confirmed that rangers are closely monitoring the animal's welfare and movements. Perhilitan said Sulong remains in stable condition, displaying normal behaviour, feeding regularly, and moving steadily.
Perhilitan added that the wound on his right leg is drying and showing positive signs of recovery. To prevent untoward incidents and ensure road safety, Perhilitan Perak teams are deployed twice daily, during both daytime and night hours, to track the animal and herd him safely away from oncoming expressway traffic.
The elephant’s story went viral after social media user Mohd Fadli Salleh shared details regarding his background, explaining that the name Chalil originated from the village in Gua Musang where the elephant previously roamed before being captured.
“Stories about this elephant have been circulating since yesterday. It turns out many people do not know the real story of this elephant.
“Some time ago, residents in Gua Musang lodged complaints because a herd of elephants had entered plantations and posed a danger to residents.
“The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) went to Gua Musang, captured Sulong and then relocated him to the forest in Gerik, Perak,” he wrote.
However, several days after his release into the Gerik jungle, Sulong reappeared on Aug 17 along the Gerik-Jeli route, steadily walking in the direction of Kelantan. Motorists who encountered him noted that the animal did not display any aggressive behaviour.
“Sulong is believed to be homesick and missing his original home. Guided by his instincts, he has been walking for days.
“Now Sulong is near Jeli, having walked more than 100 kilometres through the Titiwangsa Range to return to his original home,” Fadli added.
Images of the limping elephant has triggered an outpouring of support and prayers online.
“Go Sulong go! Just a little more to go. May Sulong successfully reach his hometown and live in peace and harmony,” wrote one Facebook user.
Another commenter posted: “My heart hurts seeing the wound on your leg. May Allah protect your welfare, Sulong Chalil, and may you arrive safely.”
A separate update shared on social media noted encouraging signs in his recovery.
