2 weeks Ago By Amir Hamzah Nordin
JERANTUT: A group of tourists captured the rare and breathtaking moment when a herd of 40 wild elephants, including calves, swam across Sungai Tembeling.The unique scene was recorded near Kampung Kuala Sat, Ulu Tembeling, yesterday, as several tourists were on a riverboat from Kuala Tahan, cruising along the river towards Taman Negara.Tour boat operator Ahmad Dahlan, 45, was among the lucky few to witness the rare event firsthand.
Recounting the experience, he said he was with a group of foreign tourists and initially assumed that the floating objects seen from afar were drifting logs."However, we were shocked to realise it was actually a group of wild elephants 'swimming' across the fast-flowing river."We could clearly see their trunks lifted above the water, seemingly used as breathing aid.
"The tourists were thrilled and we slowed down the boat to give way and avoid disturbing the movement of the animals," he said in Kuala Tahan.Ahmad admitted it was the second time in his life witnessing wild elephants crossing the river, but yesterday involved a significantly larger number."It took about 20 minutes for the group of elephants to reach the opposite riverbank and then climb up the bank into the forest.
" A Dutch tourist known only as Lilian said the experience of watching a herd of elephants crossing the river live was unforgettable."At first, I thought it was drifting wood, but when I saw their trunks raised, I was truly amazed. This is an extraordinary experience that I managed to capture on my phone.
" It is understood that such incidents often occur when wild elephants leave the nearby forest in search of food in roaming areas, including nearby villages.Local authorities and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) continuously monitor the movement of these animals to ensure the safety of residents and tourists is not compromised.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
