‘Sulong Chalil’ relocated to Terengganu National Park after weeks along Gerik-Jeli highway

MALAYSIA: A wild male elephant known as “Sulong Chalil” has been relocated to Terengganu National Park after being monitored by Malaysia’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) for several weeks along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway in Perak.

PERHILITAN said in a statement on Wednesday (2 September) that Sulong was moved through the Tasik Kenyir entrance into a natural forest habitat considered suitable for wild elephants.

The relocation was carried out to provide the elephant with a safer environment while reducing the risk of road accidents and potential conflict between the animal and people.

Elephant monitored since August

PERHILITAN said it had closely monitored Sulong’s movements and physical condition since 17 August, including an injury to his right leg.

The department said Sulong’s condition had been monitored throughout the operation, with veterinary treatment provided for the injury.

According to PERHILITAN, Sulong’s solitary movement is not unusual because he is an adult male elephant. It said the behaviour should not be interpreted as evidence that he had become separated from a herd or was attempting to find his family.

After assessing the safety situation, location and Sulong’s health, PERHILITAN successfully recaptured him on 30 August in the Gerik section of the East-West Highway.

Relocation carried out with trained elephants

The relocation process was carried out on 1 September with support from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the assistance of two trained elephants, Rambai and Cheri.

PERHILITAN said Sulong continued to receive veterinary monitoring and treatment throughout the operation.

His right-leg injury was showing positive signs of recovery, and follow-up treatment will continue based on assessments by the department’s veterinary officer.

On 2 September, Sulong was transported to Terengganu National Park through the Tasik Kenyir entrance, where he was placed in a natural forest environment.

PERHILITAN said the move was intended to minimise risks to both Sulong and people by keeping the elephant away from roads and areas where human-wildlife conflict could occur.

Videos of elephant on highway went viral

Sulong had attracted widespread public attention after videos circulated on social media showing an elephant walking along the shoulder of the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway.

The footage prompted concern among members of the public, with the elephant subsequently identified as Sulong Chalil.

Earlier reports said the elephant had been relocated from Gua Musang, Kelantan, to a forested area in Gerik during a PERHILITAN translocation operation before it was repeatedly seen near the highway.

Bernama previously reported that PERHILITAN Perak had been monitoring and guiding the injured elephant back towards forested areas after it was first spotted along the highway on 17 August.

At the time, the department said the wound on his right front leg was drying and showing signs of recovery, while Sulong remained able to move and feed normally.

PERHILITAN also said previously that monitoring and guiding operations had been carried out twice a day because the elephant continued returning to the road area.

In its latest statement, PERHILITAN stressed that Sulong’s welfare, as well as the safety of the public and personnel involved in the operation, remained its priority.

The department said all actions were based on assessments made on the ground to minimise risks to everyone involved.

PERHILITAN also thanked the agencies involved and members of the public for their cooperation and support during the operation.