Wildlife encounter reflects years of work to cultivate peaceful coexistence
KOTA KINABALU: As the mist lifted over the Kinabatangan River yesterday morning, a rare and quietly powerful scene unfolded: a herd of critically endangered Borneo elephants, including four calves, emerging to feed calmly along the riverbank in what conservationists describe as a hard-won victory for coexistence.
The herd, estimated at between 10 and 11 elephants, spent more than two hours near the Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge, grazing on Napier and barau-barau grasses planted specifically for them under a long-term conservation initiative by the RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (Respect).
Respect chairman Alexander Yee, who witnessed the moment firsthand, said the sight was nothing short of “surreal”.
Adults and calves fed unhurriedly, the younger elephants staying close to their mothers, before the herd slowly made its way downstream.
What appeared to be a tranquil wildlife encounter reflected years of painstaking conservation work.
According to Respect, elephant herds are returning to these designated feeding plots almost every other month, which is a notable increase that signals the success of efforts to provide a stable, alternative food source in a region long plagued by human-elephant conflict.
“This is the real joy, seeing these magnificent animals, especially with their young, finding enough to eat naturally,” said Yee.
“It validates years of planning, daily care and commitment from our entire team on the ground.”
The initiative aims to tackle one of the greatest threats facing Borneo elephants: conflict with humans.
As forests shrink and traditional migration routes are disrupted, elephants are often forced into farmlands, leading to crop damage and, in some cases, fatal retaliation.
By guiding elephants towards dedicated feeding areas, the programme helps reduce crop raids on nearby farms, safeguarding local livelihoods and the animals themselves, added Yee.
The project’s impact has not gone unnoticed. Respect received national recognition two months ago with the Star Golden Hearts Award, highlighting its contribution to wildlife conservation and community protection.
The initiative is supported by a broad coalition, including the Intrepid Foundation, the Borneo Conservation Trust, volunteers, students and lodge guests.
Yee acknowledged the role of early institutional support, noting that Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment former minister Christina Liew was instrumental in helping to secure foundational funding during the project’s formative stages.
Looking ahead, Respect expressed hope that the Kinabatangan model could serve as a blueprint for sustainable human-wildlife coexistence across Sabah and beyond.
“This is proof that conservation works when communities, organisations and policymakers pull in the same direction.
“The challenge now is to ensure this success could be sustained and expanded for future generations.”
