KOTA KINABALU: Wildlife and pets were also badly hit in the recent flash floods that hit Penampang, Kinabalu, Putatan and surrounding areas in Sabah’s west coast.

       Wildlife rescue rangers have been busy relocating animals after a landslide damaged a holding facility in Kg Potuki, Penampang.

       Dr Sen Nathan, manager of the Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU), said that some of the slopes at the rescue centre failed and greatly damaged the wildlife holding areas.

       “So we had to translocate the animals to safer facilities, including the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park nearby,” he said, estimating losses at around RM200,000.

       The team, together with Dr Sen, successfully translocated two crocodiles, three bearded pigs and some macaques.

       Meanwhile, animal rescuers at Shelter of Hope Penampang have been working tirelessly for the past few days scrubbing floors and sweeping out floodwater and mud, as well as trying to get things back to how it was before the Sept 15 floods.

       Dozens of cats and dogs were initially moved out of their cages to the upper level of the owner’s house to ensure they would be safe.

       Adrienne Godfrey Johniu shared on her Facebook that the recent flood was one of the worst ever.

       “The flood this time scared me so much because the water was gushing in rapidly and didn’t show any sign of slowing down.

       “My thoughts were to get all the dogs onto the roof just in case the situation goes from bad to worse,” she said.

       Adrienne said that in September alone the shelter was flooded twice.