A wild elephant that lost sight in both eyes after being shot has received a third round of treatment for gunshot injuries in the Diyaluma area of Haldummulla.
The male elephant, estimated to be around 45 years old, has been roaming the Kolongaswewa area of Diyaluma.
According to wildlife officials, the elephant initially lost sight in one eye after being shot and subsequently received treatment. However, poachers later shot the animal in its other eye, leaving it completely blind.
The elephant, which has since been confined to a limited area, was recently found to have suffered another gunshot injury to a hind leg.
A team of wildlife officers, led by veterinarian Dr. Akalanka Pinidiya of the Randenigala Veterinary Unit, began treating the injured animal.
However, officials faced difficulties in tranquillising the elephant because it was frequently moving through steep and mountainous terrain.
Veterinarians initially administered antibiotics while waiting for the elephant to move to a safer, flatter location.
The elephant was eventually tranquillised on Thursday (5), allowing the veterinary team to provide a third round of treatment.
Wildlife authorities are also considering relocating the elephant to a more suitable environment due to the difficult terrain and environmental conditions in its current habitat.
Officers from the Seelathenna Wildlife Office are closely monitoring the animal’s condition.
Meanwhile, authorities said the nationwide Hasthi Sena operation, involving wildlife officials, the armed forces and other security agencies, is continuing to remove illegal firearms, explosive bait and snares used against wild animals and apprehend those responsible for wildlife crimes. (Newswire)