IPOH, Sept 2 — A wild male elephant known as “Sulong Chalil” has been relocated today to Terengganu Taman Negara through the Tasik Kenyir entrance, a natural forest habitat suitable for wild elephants.
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) of Peninsular Malaysia said that the department has carried out monitoring and rescue efforts, with the relocation aimed at providing a safer environment and reducing the risk of road accidents and conflicts with people.
Perhilitan emphasised that the welfare of Sulong, as well as the safety of the public and operational members, is always a priority, with every action taken based on an assessment of the situation on the ground to ensure that risks to all parties are minimised.
“Perhilitan expresses its appreciation to all the agencies involved and the public for the cooperation and support given,” said the statement.
The department said that since Aug 17, the Perhilitan team has been closely monitoring Sulong’s movements and physical condition, including the injury recorded on his right leg.
Perhilitan said that as an adult male elephant, Sulong’s solitary movement is a natural behaviour and not an indication that the elephant is separated from the herd or searching for its family.
The department also said that after assessing the aspects of safety, location and Sulong’s health status, the operation to recapture the animal was successfully carried out on Aug 30 along the East-West Highway (JRTB) area in Gerik.
On Sept 1, Sulong’s relocation process was carried out by Perhilitan with the support of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the assistance of two trained elephants, Rambai and Cheri.
“Throughout the operation, Sulong always received monitoring and veterinary treatment. The injury on his right leg is now showing positive progress and follow-up treatment will continue according to the assessment of the veterinary officer,” said the statement.
Previously, several videos, allegedly recorded by members of the public using that route, went viral on social media showing the elephant, believed to be named Sulong Chalil, walking along the shoulder of the JRTB.
The elephant in question is said to have originated from Chalil, Gua Musang before being relocated to a forest area in Gerik during a Perhilitan translocation operation, but it is believed to have moved back towards its original area through that route. — Bernama
