It is reported that Kavantissa a tusker renowned as the largest and tallest wild elephant in the country died a short while ago in Siyambalangamuwa.
Wildlife veterinarians had begun treating the tusker, Kavantissa, several weeks ago (on September 26) after he was found in critical condition due to a gunshot wound. The attending veterinarians had indicated that the wound was healing and that the elephant was on the path to recovery. However, local residents claim that the administration of treatment was interrupted for several days, causing the elephant's condition to deteriorate once again.
A few days ago, Chandana Jayasinghe the wildlife veterinarian for the Anuradhapura District, who was overseeing Kavantissa’s treatment stated that the elephant was suffering from severe diarrhea. Speaking at a press conference, he noted that attempts to collect fecal samples for testing at that time had been unsuccessful. However, he stated that treatment is continuing, based on ongoing observations and assessments.
Reports emerged indicating that the wound on the elephant's foot had healed to some extent, and that although the elephant, 'Kavantissa,' had stopped eating due to a bout of diarrhea, he had resumed feeding about a day ago. However, these details have not been officially confirmed by the veterinarians.
About two days ago, a photograph of Kavantissa in a reservoir began circulating on social media; some speculated that the elephant had ingested a toxin, which drove him to enter the water. Meanwhile, others on social media have suggested that the death might have been caused by an overdose of antibiotics administered during the initial stages of his treatment.
Consequently, attempts were made to contact Isuru Hewakottage the wildlife veterinarian who initially treated Kavantissa by telephone to obtain further details, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Social and environmental activists, among others, point out that the death of this elephant was caused by the negligence of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, noting that veterinary treatment was not initiated in a timely manner.
Furthermore, a majority of social media users are calling for the Minister in charge of Wildlife, Dhammika Patabandi, to accept responsibility and resign. They also demand an impartial post-mortem examination, conducted with the assistance of international experts. It is reported that the elephant was discovered collapsed in the Siyambalangamuwa area this morning, but it subsequently died later in the afternoon.