Until September 2003 the existence of Elephants in Sabah was a topic of controversy. Some believing they descended from tame elephants bought over from mainland Asia and and presented as gifts to the Sultan of Sulu in the 17th century. Others believe they could be remnants of larger populations that roamed Borneo and Sumatra when they were linked during the ice ages (more than 10,000 years ago). DNA evidence now shows that they are a distinct subspecies and have existed here some 300,000 years. Compared to their Asian cousins, they are smaller in size, have larger ears, babyish faces and are milder tempered. Still very little is know about them. How many are there? Do they form the same matriarchal societies as other elephants? Why do they live only in a tiny pocket of forest on the northeast tip of Borneo? It is estimated that only 1500 individuals exist and they are seriously endangered as their habitat is prime land for palm plantations. Our images below were taken along the Kinabatangan River - Sabah, Borneo. At the time of writing they have yet to be officially and scientifically named.