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Thursday July 13, 2006 E
(Source from The Star, Malaysia) www.thestar.com.my
By SIMON KHOO
TEMERLOH: The National Elephant Conservation Centre in
Kuala Gandah, which has been the target of criticisms following
incidents involving two young elephants, has denied allegations
of mismanagement and poor animal care.
Its elephant unit head Nasharuddin Othman accused
“irresponsible quarters” of trying to tarnish the image of the
centre and that of the Department of Wildlife and National
Parks.
He also defended his 26 workers, describing them as
“dedicated in their work and not easily demoralised.”
Five of them were in the pioneer batch recruited when the
centre started operations in 1990.
“I have faith in their work,” said Nasharuddin in an
interview here.
“We have nothing to hide and outsiders are welcome to drop by
to see how the elephants are taken care of.”
The Wildlife Department and the centre were recently rapped
for allegedly mishandling its sick animals, resulting in the
death of baby elephant Mat Chepor, and 17-month-old Mardos
fracturing its hind legs.
Nasharuddin said the centre was currently tending 10
elephants.
Nasharuddin said sometimes, on the request of nearby schools,
the centre would arrange to have these young elephants make
“guest” appearances.
“We follow all necessary guidelines and precautions,” he
said, adding that it makes sense to use the elephants to create
awareness among the people on conservation efforts.
The centre receives a yearly grant of RM700,000 for its
upkeep.
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