Baby elephant's foot chopped off due to snare trap

KOTA KINABALU - A female baby elephant's right foot had to be amputated after it was almost severed by a snare trap in Tungku, Lahad Datu, last Saturday.

The baby elephant which was less than two years old was discovered by a member of the public who then alerted the Wildlife Department (JHL).

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said he was informed of the incident by the department and instructions were then given to the Wildlife Rescue team to locate the injured baby elephant.

He said the rescue personnel managed to track down the baby elephant in Felda Sahabat 5, and discovered that the its foot was almost severed due to the snare trap.

"On Monday, a follow-up inspection on the animal's injuries revealed that its foot was nearly severed as the snare wounds were too deep.

"To prevent its leg tissue from becoming more severe and dysfunctional, the foot had to be amputated by veterinary officers treating the elephant,” he said here today.

Jafry expressed disappointment over the irresponsible act of certain people who had placed the trap, which resulted in the baby elephant's injuries.

"The baby elephant's foot had to be amputated in order to save its life. This had caused it to lose the ability to live independently and roam freely.

“Being less than two years old, the baby elephant still needs its mother to feed it and to interact with its herd," he said.

He said setting snares was a cruel act that violates the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.

“The act is punishable under Section 33 (1) (k) (iii) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 which carries a maximum fine RM100,000, or a maximum jail term of five years, or both.

He warned the public to not set traps aimed at injuring any wildlife.

Jafry also said JHL is offering a RM5,000 reward to anyone who could provide information about the trap and the party responsible.