Two emaciated pygmy elephant calves were recently rescued in Borneo by wildlife authorities, as they were left seemingly abandoned by their mothers.
The first rescue occurred when plantation workers discovered a two-year-old female elephant trapped in a moat.
Shortly after, another incident occurred, where a six-month-old female calf was found wandering in a different plantation within Malaysia’s eastern Sabah state.
Laurentius Ambu, director of the state wildlife department, expressed astonishment, stating, “We have never had this experience before, where the mothers abandon their babies.”
Wildlife officials are currently investigating the reasons behind the mothers’ actions, and it remains unclear how long the elephant calves had been left on their own.
Both rescued elephants will be cared for at a wildlife park in Sabah, receiving the attention and support they need.
The Borneo pygmy elephants, known for their endearing baby-like faces, large ears, and relatively long tails, are a genetically distinct subspecies. Sadly, their population remains endangered.
However, conservation efforts to preserve their jungle habitats and protect against deforestation for plantations and development projects have contributed to stabilizing their numbers in recent years.
Despite the challenges they face, the rescue of these two young elephants serves as a heartwarming reminder of the dedication and care put forth by wildlife authorities to protect and preserve these majestic creatures.
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