Perhilitan relocates elephant ‘Sulong Chalil’ to Terengganu Taman Negara after Gerik recapture

IPOH, September 2 — In a relocation effort to ensure the welfare of a wild male elephant named “Sulong Chalil,” the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) of Peninsular Malaysia has moved the elephant to Terengganu Taman Negara via the Tasik Kenyir entrance, a natural forest habitat ideal for wild elephants. Perhilitan's monitoring and rescue efforts aimed to provide a safer environment and mitigate the risks of road accidents and human-elephant conflicts.

The department prioritized Sulong's well-being as well as the safety of the public and operational staff, assessing the situation on the ground to minimize potential risks to all parties involved. Perhilitan thanked all agencies and the public for their cooperation and support throughout this process. Since August 17, Perhilitan's team has been monitoring Sulong's movements and physical condition, including a recorded injury on his right leg.

The adult male elephant's solitary movement is a natural behavior and does not indicate separation from a herd or search for family members. On August 30, after assessing safety, location, and Sulong's health, the recapture operation was successfully carried out along the East-West Highway (JRTB) area in Gerik. On September 1, Sulong was relocated to Terengganu Taman Negara with the support of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and assistance from two trained elephants, Rambai and Cheri.

Throughout the operation, Sulong received continuous monitoring and veterinary treatment, with the right leg injury showing positive progress. Follow-up treatments will continue based on the assessment of the veterinary officer. Sulong, previously named after Chalil from Gua Musang, was earlier relocated to a forest area in Gerik but reportedly returned to its original area via the same route.