Yong Choh Returns To The Wild After Successful Rehabilitation

KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- A female Malayan tiger rescued from Kampung Choh, Sungai Siput, Perak on July 22 has been released into its natural habitat at Terengganu National Park in Tasik Kenyir, near Hulu Terengganu through a scientific and planned process.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) said the tiger, named Yong Choh and estimated to be seven years old, underwent rehabilitation at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) in Sungkai, Perak after being rescued from a human-wildlife conflict.

The animal was later declared healthy for release by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) following veterinary examinations, blood tests and disease screening.

“Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup officiated the Wildlife Transfer Barge and Release Ceremony at Terengganu National Park, Tasik Kenyir yesterday, as part of efforts to strengthen wildlife conservation and manage human-wildlife conflicts.” the ministry said in a statement today.

It said the programme would help restore wildlife populations in their natural habitats, enhance genetic diversity among released animals and support the long-term conservation of threatened species.

Wildlife released under the programme include black panthers, sambar deer, barking deer, pangolins, common palm civets, mouse deer and greater mouse deer.

Elephants affected by human-wildlife conflicts have also been successfully returned to the wild.

-- BERNAMA