Brutal killing of Borneo pygmy elephant sparks outrage

A BORNEO pygmy elephant was found brutally killed along the Kalabakan-Sapulut road, about 25 km from Sabah’s Maliau Basin, shocking motorists and conservationists who had passed the area. 

The elephant’s decapitated head and severed limbs were discovered by a passing motorist, with videos of the gruesome scene surfacing on social media since Sunday.

The Sabah Wildlife Department confirmed the incident and has launched an investigation. 

A post-mortem is underway to determine the exact cause of death, while the department has also lodged a police report for further action.

“We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation,” said a Tawau Wildlife Department officer.

The act has been described as one of the most brutal attacks on Sabah’s endangered pygmy elephants. 

The elephant population in Sabah is estimated between 1,500 to 2,000. 

Conservationists suspect poaching as tusk removals are not uncommon,

However, complete decapitation and severing of limbs is a rare and deeply concerning development, they said.

Sabah has seen several elephant deaths over the years, with the most recent in December 2024, when an elephant was found dead on a plantation in Lahad Datu.

Wildlife officials urge the public to contact the department’s Tawau office if they have any information on the latest incident. - January 20, 2025.