Tragic end for wild jumbo after rescue attempt fails in Thanamalwila

By Sumanasiri Gunatilaka

Colombo, June 25 (Daily Mirror) - A 25-year-old wild elephant died during a rescue operation after falling into a narrow well in the Kudaoya area of Samagipura, Thanamalwila, despite desperate efforts by wildlife officials and local residents to save the animal.

According to wildlife authorities, the male elephant, measuring approximately seven feet in height, had become trapped after reportedly falling into the well while roaming through the village with a herd during the previous night.

A rescue team from the Kitulkote Wildlife Office, assisted by villagers, launched an operation to pull the elephant to safety. However, officials said the narrow structure of the well severely hampered the rescue effort, making it impossible to extract the animal without fatal consequences.

The elephant succumbed during the attempt, turning what began as a hopeful rescue mission into a tragic loss.