A Bornean pygmy elephant with an injured trunk is currently being tracked for rescue efforts.
Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the elephant was previously believed to be located in the Felda Kalabakan Selatan area in Tawau.
“While Sabah is still dealing with the death of a Bornean elephant in Tongod, which is currently under investigation, I also wish to express concern over another case involving an injured elephant believed to be in the Felda Kalabakan Selatan area.
“The case has drawn public attention following the circulation of a video on social media showing an elephant with a clearly injured trunk,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
He added that based on information received by authorities, a report regarding the elephant was lodged last week.
Search and monitoring operations were carried out on May 13 and 14, 2026, to locate the animal.
However, the elephant could not be found during the operations, preventing rescue efforts from being initiated at that stage.
He said further action would depend on new information if the animal is sighted or based on additional field reports.
Preliminary feedback from veterinary teams indicated that trunk injuries in elephants are highly complex.
If reconstructive procedures are considered, the chances of full recovery and restoration of normal trunk function are very low.
Veterinary experts also noted that rescue efforts would involve more than immediate wound treatment, potentially requiring surgery to remove damaged tissue or reconstruct torn trunk muscles, followed by intensive post-operative care, daily treatment, feeding management, temporary relocation, and close monitoring for one to two weeks.
Jafry said initial observations showed signs of healing, although the wound had not fully closed properly.
Close monitoring by Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) rangers is currently ongoing.
At this stage, the elephant does not show signs of severe infection that would pose an immediate threat to its survival. Therefore, veterinary intervention is not required for now.
However, treatment measures will be activated if the condition worsens or complications arise.
He also said the exact cause of the injury is still under investigation.
While snares are among the possible causes being considered, this has not been confirmed.
Authorities are also looking into other possibilities, including injuries caused by sharp objects.
One possibility under investigation is injury from harvesting equipment used in oil palm plantations, especially if tools were left behind or caught in plantation areas.
Jafry urged the public not to speculate while investigations and field assessments are still ongoing.
The Bornean pygmy elephant is one of Sabah’s most iconic wildlife species and an important part of the state’s natural heritage.
“We remain committed to ensuring every wildlife case is handled responsibly, professionally, and based on scientific assessment,” he said.
The ministry will continue working closely with the Sabah Wildlife Department and all stakeholders to monitor the situation and take appropriate action when necessary.
