(MY) letter regarding jumbo's death

[Guest guest]

Tuesday July 11, 2006 The Star -letters

 

Baby Mardos has suffered enough

 

WE are shocked to read your report, " Young jumbo knocking on death's

door<http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/7/8/nation/14774202 & sec=nat\

ion> "

(*The Star*, July 8), which came just a week after the death of Mat Chepor,

again due to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary's incompetence in

relocating the animal.

 

In the latest incident on July 1, Mardos is said to have slipped on faeces

while being transported in a truck to a school for a " show " .

 

It is now fighting for its life after fracturing both the hind legs near the

knees.

 

In the first place, why was animal transfer protocol not followed when it

calls for a minimum of two personnel, including the driver, to be onboard

during the exercise to transport the pachyderm?

 

Why did it take the staff at Kuala Gandah two days before seeking medical

treatment for Mardos? The saddest part of all this is that even if Mardos

survives, it will suffer a permanent limp as the growth of its legs would be

impeded. Imagine the pain it will suffer for the rest of his life.

 

We call for Mardos to be put down with compassion and on humanitarian

grounds, unless alternative medical treatment could be found for its full

recovery.

 

We owe Mardos at least that, considering the suffering we have inflicted on

it.

 

Your report also said that foreign tourists visiting the Kuala Gandah

Elephant Sanctuary had reported that Mardos was neglected and was all " skin

and bones " .

 

Obviously, something is very wrong at this sanctuary. If it is incapable of

even looking after the elephants there, then it ought not to be called a

" sanctuary " in the first place.

 

 

 

*SHOBA MANO,

 

Founding member,

 

Remembering Sheena Campaign,

 

Subang Jaya.*