When Elephants Attack-It Ain't Good

KUALA TERENGGANU, Malaysia - A Wildlife and National Parks Department officer cheated death when an elephant he and four colleagues were trying to capture went berserk and attacked him on Thursday.

In the 1pm incident, Mohd Noor Abdullah, 58, of Kampung Binjai, Kemaman, was part of a Perhilitan team trying capture a herd of wild elephants in Kampung Jelung, Setiu.

One of the bull elephants suddenly charged and attacked Noor.

He suffered serious face and body injuries with five broken ribs and was rushed to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital for treatment.

His wife, Zamariah Seman, 52, said she was horrified when informed about the incident about 4.30pm.

"It was the first time in his 40 years of service that he had been attacked by a wild animal," she said outside the hospital ward yesterday.

"This could well be the thing he will remember most about his career as a Perhilitan officer as he will retire this November.

"Doctors told me they cannot allow visitors in for the time being," said the mother of 13.

Terengganu Perhilitan director Yusoff Shariff said five officers were sent to Kampung Jelung when they received reports about a herd of elephant wreaking havoc in the village.

He said the team had been monitoring the herd since Monday.

The elephant disappeared into the jungle after attacking Noor, he said.