Baby Elephant Hujjan Showers Kenyir Conservation Village with Joy
A New Life at Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village
On a rainy September night, the Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village (KECV) in Tasik Kenyir, Hulu Terengganu, welcomed a new addition to its family. Baby elephant Hujjan, named after the rain that fell on the night of her birth, was born to Dusun, one of the female elephants at the centre.
The Joy of New Life
The KECV staff, including director Ang Ching Yang, were thrilled to witness the birth, which was the first time a baby elephant had been born at the centre in its 10-year history. "We went to help the baby stand up and stabilise it. This can take 2.5 to three hours. The whole time, the baby was in the care and embrace of its mother. I think that was Dusun expressing her love towards her child," Ang said.
A Rare Occurrence
According to Ang, baby elephants born in captivity are rare all over the world, and only a few cases have previously been reported in Malaysia. Elephants have the longest period of gestation of any mammal, carrying their young for up to 22 months.
A Home for Rescued Elephants
KECV provides a sanctuary for rescued Malaysian elephants whose lives have been affected by habitat loss and ivory poaching. The village is currently home to eight male and 10 female elephants, most of whom were rescued from poachers or human-elephant conflicts by the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan).
A Bright Future Ahead
Both Hujjan and Dusun are in good health. Once Hujjan is older, she will be released into nearby forests so she can learn to thrive on her own. KECV aims to get advice and consultation from wildlife and zoological experts to further understand Hujjan’s needs and improve its facilities.
A Call to Action
Caring for elephants can be very expensive, as they eat 120-200kg of vegetation daily. Ang invites companies or NGOs interested in conservation efforts to help sponsor Hujjan, which would be a tax-deductible expense.
Conclusion
Hujjan’s birth is a sign that the centre’s conservation efforts are paying off, and Ang is grateful to his team and everyone involved for the successful birth. "Elephants are really magnificent creatures, but their survival has been affected over the past few years by habitat destruction. We have to make sure we keep them alive for future generations," he added.
FAQs
Q: What is the name of the baby elephant?
A: Hujjan
Q: Why was Hujjan named after rain?
A: It was raining on the night of her birth.
Q: How many male and female elephants are currently at the Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village?
A: Eight male and 10 female elephants
Q: What is the average daily diet of an elephant?
A: 120-200kg of vegetation
Q: How can I support the Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village?
A: By sponsoring Hujjan or contacting the centre directly to learn more about conservation efforts.
Contact Information
Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village
Jalan Felda Aring,
Tasik Kenyir,
21700 Kuala Berang, Terengganu