Kota Kinabalu: The female Borneo pygmy elephant found dead at Felcra Berhad Estate, Danum, Lahad Datu, last month, died of organ failure, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She said post-mortem findings confirmed there were no elements of wildlife crime involved.
“The investigation team only found small old scars on the carcass but no new wounds or injuries. Laboratory tests revealed the cause of death was organ failure,” she said in a statement, Wednesday.
The carcass, estimated to be that of a nine to 10-year-old female, was discovered by a plantation worker last Friday and reported the following day by the Sabah Wildlife Department, which at the time ruled out foul play pending lab results.
A joint investigation and post-mortem were carried out on Saturday, with organ samples taken and sent for laboratory analysis.
Liew praised the swift action by the Sabah Wildlife Department in handling the case, and stressed the importance of continued vigilance to protect the State’s wildlife.
“The Borneo Pygmy elephant is a treasured species unique to Sabah. Every case of mortality is a reminder of the urgent need to safeguard their habitat and ensure their survival,” she said.
Investigations have since confirmed that the death was due to natural causes with no foul play detected. - Sisca Humphrey