AN injured wild elephant known as Sulong has captured public attention after it was spotted travelling along the Gerik-Jeli stretch of the East-West Highway, apparently heading back towards its original habitat in Gua Musang.
Sulong, believed to be a male elephant from Chalil, Gua Musang, was previously relocated by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) to the Gerik area as part of efforts to reduce human-elephant conflict, including incidents involving crops and residential areas.
But after being moved to Perak, the elephant has reportedly begun making its way back towards Kelantan, with videos circulating online showing it walking along the roadside.
The journey has drawn widespread sympathy, particularly because Sulong is visibly injured.
While claims have circulated on social media that the wound was caused by an iron chain during his capture or relocation, Perhilitan has yet to confirm the cause of the injury.
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Regardless, there was an outpouring of sympathy for the creature online on the X social media.
Netizen @unicornsistic further wondered why the authorities did not heal the creature’s legs before allowing it to journey home.
@Khairul232790 even blamed Perhilitan as the cause of the condition of the animal.
Then there was @lefthandtrader reminding us that the animals understand the concept of home too.
According to reports, Sulong had travelled about 140km by Monday and was believed to be in the Jeli area, with roughly another 100km to go before reaching Gua Musang.
The original purpose of the transfer was to ensure Sulong doesn’t disturb crops and the safety of the villagers in Gua Musang.
Perhilitan confirmed that the adult male elephant has an injury to its right front leg.
However, the department said the wound was drying and showing signs of recovery, while Sulong remained capable of eating and moving normally.—Aug 26, 2026
Main image: Penduduk Sungat Petani (Facebook)
