Activist calls for inquiry into fatal elephant attack at Sabah wildlife park

The Sabah government has been urged to launch an inquiry into a fatal Christmas Day incident at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Kota Kinabalu, that caused a Borneo Pygmy elephant to gore its handler to death.

According to The Star, the park’s elephant unit head, Joe Fred Lansou, 49, was gored by an adult elephant within the enclosure at about 8.30am on Friday.

The Star quoted social and environmental activist Jefferi Chang, who said an inquiry was needed to identify reasons behind the incident and if there were any weaknesses in existing safety protocols.

“It is an unfortunate incident, but the state must check if the wildlife park management under Sabah Wildlife Department has an active and clearly observed standard operating procedure in place.

“Such incidents are rare in zoos across the world. We must have a full inquiry into it,” Chang reportedly said, adding that complaints about poor upkeep of the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park and its exhibits have surfaced time and again in the past.

Among others, Chang said it was important for the inquiry to look into whether it was suitable to keep the elephants within the zoo enclosure, or if the animals should be released into the wild or in the care of the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary.

“I believe the space in the wildlife park may not be enough for these elephants. They will be stressed with their movements restricted. This makes them unpredictable.

“We have the death of a ranger now. We cannot take these things lightly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Penampang district police chief  Mohd Haris Ibrahim said that police have classified the case as sudden death and ruled out any foul play.

He reportedly said that the victim was treating an injured calf when an adult elephant tusked him on the chest and abdomen. He died at the scene.

Perhilitan, ministry fail to nullify suit over culling of endangered monkeys

US sanctions Malaysian group for alleged wildlife trafficking

NGO: Bukit Cerakah degazettement driving away migratory birds

World’s wildlife more at risk than realised - study

Customs foil attempt to smuggle wildlife parts worth RM80m

UN nature deal can help wildlife as long as countries deliver