Commitment to Bornean Pygmy Elephant Conservation
- nabalunews
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
9 April 2025
KOTA KINABALU: Discussions aimed at forging strategies for the conservation of the Bornean pygmy elephant will ensure that future generations will have the privilege of witnessing these gentle giants gracefully roaming in the wild.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew made this statement when launching the Captive Elephant Management Plan (CEMP) and officiating at the Bornean Elephant Conservation Symposium at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here.
Liew remarked that this symposium represents a pivotal moment in shaping the future of Bornean elephants and signifies an unwavering commitment to balancing the welfare of the communities in Sabah with the vital conservation of these remarkable creatures.
“Our goal is to develop solutions that benefit both our local communities and the elephants themselves,” she said, adding that they had previously transformed environmental challenges into sustainable opportunities.
One example was the successful transition of sea turtle egg collection into a thriving hatchery-based tourism product, she noted, pondering whether a similar transformation could be achieved for elephants.
“It is time we shift the perception of elephants from being viewed as a source of conflict and nuisance to recognising them as valuable assets to our tourism, environment, and heritage,” she said.
“While it is an undeniable reality that human-elephant conflict exists, we must not view this as solely a burden, but as an opportunity to create positive impacts for our local communities. By exploring avenues such as community-based conservation, ecotourism initiatives, and compensation schemes, we can navigate this challenge effectively.”
“We must bolster enforcement efforts to protect our elephants. Strict prosecution against poaching and illegal killings, coupled with the eradication of snare traps—the silent killers of our wildlife—are essential actions. This will require increased patrolling, active removal of traps, and harsher penalties for offenders. With decisive action and unwavering commitment, we can ensure a true sanctuary for our wildlife, including the Bornean elephant.”
“I am also pleased to announce the launch of the Captive Elephant Management Plan, a significant advancement in enhancing the standards of elephant care in Sabah. This initiative aligns with our Bornean Elephant Action Plan, reinforcing our dedication to best practices in ex-situ management and long-term conservation efforts.”
“Our objective is clear: we aspire for our captive facilities, such as the Bornean Elephant Sanctuary and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, to gain international recognition as centres of excellence,” she stated.
“These facilities not only serve as sanctuaries for elephants awaiting reintroduction into the wild, but also play vital roles in conservation education, research, and sustainable tourism. By investing in proper training, resources, and recognition for the elephant keepers, we can significantly improve elephant welfare and enhance the tourism experience. A well-managed sanctuary and captive elephant centre will fortify our conservation endeavours and amplify Sabah’s appeal, attracting visitors eager to engage in ethical wildlife conservation,” Liew emphasised.
With the implementation of the Captive Elephant Management Plan and the insights gained from this symposium, she expressed confidence that Sabah’s initiatives in Bornean elephant conservation would reach new heights. By uniting government bodies, conservationists, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local communities, a conservation model can be created that garners international attention.
Also present during the event were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Elephant Conservation Lead Oregon Zoo Dr Sharon S. Gleaser, JHL Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar and President of the Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria Dr Kevin Lazarus.
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