Baby Elephant Killed by Lorry Sparks Outcry

On May 11, Mother’s Day, a baby elephant was fatally struck by a poultry lorry on Malaysia’s East-West Highway in Perak, sparking national mourning after viral footage showed the mother elephant grieving by her calf. The mother, estimated to be 25–27 years old, stayed with her dead calf for hours, attempting to push the lorry and blocking traffic as witnesses looked on. Wildlife officials sedated and relocated the mother for her safety after the incident. The lorry driver, who was unharmed, stated he could not avoid the collision after the calf suddenly crossed the road, having seen an adult elephant by the roadside moments before. Conservationists and authorities pointed to Malaysia’s expanding road networks as a danger to wildlife and advocated for more wildlife crossings and increased driver awareness. The incident has reignited concerns about human-elephant conflict, habitat loss, and the emotional bonds of elephants, prompting renewed calls for stronger wildlife protection measures.