The Department of National Zoological Gardens says the transport of elephants to the Ma Oya river from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which had been temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions in recent days, has now resumed.
Issuing a statement, the department explained that the suspension was due to the drying up of water in the Ma Oya area, the accumulation of sand and muddy debris at the bathing site, and the presence of hazardous materials such as glass shards and metal fragments within the sand, which posed risks to the elephants.
Considering these conditions, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage temporarily restricted elephant movements to the river to ensure their safety and well-being.
Subsequently, with the approval of the Irrigation Department, an excavator was used to remove the accumulated sand and debris from the bathing site, restoring it to a safe condition, the department said.
Accordingly, the department further stated that from December 24, elephants resumed their regular bathing visits to the Ma Oya river at their usual times. (Newswire)
