The wild elephant popularly known as “Kandalama Hedakaraya,” which had been under the care of wildlife veterinary surgeons for over four months, died this afternoon
The wild elephant popularly known as “Kandalama Hedakaraya,” which had been under the care of wildlife veterinary surgeons for over four months, died this afternoon.
The 25–30-year-old elephant was in critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds to its front leg, believed to be the result of repeated human–elephant conflict incidents.
The animal had previously been shot and treated before being released into the wild about a year ago, only to be injured again. It was later found lying in the Kandalama Tank.
With the approval of the Department of Wildlife, indigenous medical treatments were provided by renowned practitioner Gamini Karunaratne from the Giridara area, with expenses borne by a prominent local businessman.
