The Department of Wildlife Conservation will seek a court order on Saturday (October 17) to conduct a post-mortem examination into the death of Kavantissa, one of Sri Lanka’s largest and tallest wild tuskers.
According to reports, a team of experts, including specialists from the University of Peradeniya, will examine the elephant’s remains to determine the exact cause of death.
Kavantissa died on Friday (October 16) after receiving treatment for serious gunshot injuries.
The tusker was found collapsed in a paddy field within the Siyambalangamuwa wildlife area on Friday morning, approximately two kilometres from where he had received treatment the previous day.
Specialist veterinary teams from the Department of Wildlife Conservation had been providing round-the-clock treatment in an attempt to save the elephant.
Although the gunshot wound to his right front leg had shown signs of healing, the elephant’s condition reportedly deteriorated due to dehydration after he stopped eating.
Wildlife officials also held discussions on Friday night regarding arrangements for the elephant’s final rites.
The post-mortem examination is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of the iconic tusker. (Newswire)
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