An elephant has been spotted wandering through the Butatong community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, sparking widespread attention and concern.
The unusual sighting occurred close to a recognized wildlife conservation zone and the vast Cross River National Park, a critical habitat for endangered species such as forest elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees. Video footage shows the elephant moving near residential homes and farmland, suggesting it may have strayed from the park’s periphery.
Cross River State is home to one of West Africa’s last viable populations of forest elephants, making every sighting ecologically significant. The appearance of this elephant has generated extensive online engagement, with residents and wildlife enthusiasts expressing both fascination and anxiety. Many have called for the animal’s protection, with one comment stating, “They should not kill it and eat it, it is harmless.”
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However, the incident has also sparked humor and debate on social media, with some jokingly referring to the elephant as potential “bush meat.”
As of now, neither officials from Cross River National Park nor the State Ministry of Environment have issued formal statements or disclosed plans for intervention. Authorities are expected to respond as the situation develops.
