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Published: Saturday February 9, 2013 MYT 6:45:00 PM
Updated: Saturday February 9, 2013 MYT 7:21:06 PM

Captured elephant matriarch dies from blood infection

By IVAN LOH


The captured elephant matriarch, which died of blood infection early Saturday. The captured elephant matriarch, which died of blood infection early Saturday.

IPOH: The cow elephant that was captured near Kampung Jalong, Sungai Siput on Thursday has died.

Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said department personnel found the elephant, aged between 15 and 20, sprawled on the ground in the forest early Saturday.

"A post-mortem on the elephant was conducted in the morning.

"We found that the elephant had been sick for some time and had been suffering from septicemia," he said.

Septicemia is an infection of the blood that can be fatal if not treated.

The elephant matriarch, which was part of a herd of four animals, was captured by Perhilitan personnel after about four days of tracking the animals.

Villagers from Kampung Jalong had complained to Perhilitan on Monday about the elephants destroying crops and vegetables on Monday.

Abdul Kadir said the elephant had looked sickly when Perhilitan personnel caught it.

"We have tried to treat it but it was to no avail," he said.

"We will bury its body to prevent any bacteria from spreading," he added.

On the remaining herd of elephants, Abdul Kadir said they were still monitoring the forest for any signs of the animals.

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Herd matriarch caught after damaging village crops

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