KOTA KINABALU: An elephant calf has had to have its right foot cut off due to severe injuries after it got caught in a booby trap.

       The barely two-year-old female calf had been limping in pain for days before wildlife rangers found it at the Felda Sahabat 5 area in Lahad Datu district.

       It had been suffering due to the almost severed foot, which eventually led to it having to be cut off due to the extent of the injury.

       Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said he was informed about the female calf, which was first spotted by estate workers who saw it dragging its injured leg on June 18.

       “Wildlife rangers were informed about this calf which was last seen in the Tungku area in Lahad Datu.

       “They eventually found her at the Felda Sahabat 5 area and saw that its right foot had a deep cut from traps, and that there was a rope still tied to it,” he said.

       Jafry said wildlife rangers did a follow up check on the calf on June 20, and saw that its injury was getting worse.

       “They had to cut the lower part of its foot to prevent infection and further injuries,” he said.

       He said it was a tough but inevitable decision to make as the calf might not be able to walk if the injured leg got worse.

       “It is sad because at such a young age, the calf would now have trouble walking properly. It still needs to feed from its mother and socialise but the current condition would be difficult for her,” Jafry said.

       He said a RM5,000 reward is offered to anyone who can give credible information regarding the incident which leads to court prosecution, especially if they know who planted booby traps.

       “The number to call is 016-8109901. The informants’ identity will be kept confidential,” he said.

       The calf is currently under the care of the Wildlife Department.

       Earlier, Jafry said it is an offence under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 to hunt using booby traps.

       Offenders can be fined between RM20,000 and RM100,000 or jailed between six months to five years upon conviction.

       “No one is allowed to use such traps to hunt as it could harm other wildlife,” he said.

       Jafry said plantation operators must also ensure that no such traps are installed in any part of their estate, or they might be viewed as being involved or having a part in facilitating the offenders.