Wild elephant captured after roaming Terengganu villages since Friday

 

Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) rangers successfully captured a wild female elephant that had been trespassing in Kampung Jeram since Friday. — SCREENGRAB FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

KUALA NERUS: Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) rangers successfully captured a wild female elephant that had been trespassing in Kampung Jeram since Friday.

State Perhilitan director Dennis Ten said department personnel captured the elephant, which had a 16-inch footprint measurement, during an operation around midnight yesterday.

He said the department launched the operation after receiving complaints on Friday regarding a wild elephant roaming around Kampung Jeram Hilir and Kampung Jeram Manir.

A team of 12 Perhilitan personnel was deployed to track and capture the animal after locating it in the village area.

"The elephant posed a safety risk to villagers and the public, besides damaging crops and residents' property.

"Taking into account safety risks to the villagers and current conditions, tranquilisation was carried out yesterday and the elephant has been secured," he said.

Ten added that initial observations indicated the elephant was in stable, healthy condition.

He said personnel are maintaining a continuous watch at the capture site while preparations for the relocation are underway.

Following the capture, Perhilitan advised the public not to approach the area where the elephant is tethered, warning that noise and crowds could cause severe stress to the animal.

"Please give sufficient space to Perhilitan personnel to manage the elephant's care, as relocation preparations are still in progress," he said, adding that the capture has alleviated local concerns and restored safety to the community. - NST