KOTA KINABALU: No signs of foul play were found in the death of a female calf Borneo elephant at a farm in Begahak in the east coast Lahad Datu district.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Roland Nuin said initial investigations and a post-mortem carried out on the elephant indicated the elephant died of a "traumatic injury."
The elephant is believed to have suffered injuries while roaming the forest and died from haematoma lesions (blood clotting).
"There is no foul play," he said when contacted Friday (Sept 20).
The injured calf elephant was estimated to be around two to three years old. It was spotted by members of the public at 9am on Tuesday (Sept 17).
A report was immediately made to the district Wildlife Department.
However, the rangers found the elephant dead on arrival. An immediate check on the elephant found no gunshot wounds.
It is believed that the elephant sustained injuries on its trunk while foraging the area.
Acting Lahad Datu OCPD Supt Jimmy Panyau confirmed that wildlife rangers had lodged a police report with regard to the discovery of the dead elephant.
In an unrelated incident, Supt Jimmy also said that wildlife had also confirmed that wildlife rangers had shot dead a three-metre crocodile prowling in the riverbank of Kampung Segangan II after monitoring the area.
He said the crocodile was killed after four shots and the carcass was removed by the rangers for further action.
