Tusker donated by Thailand shifted to Dehiwala Zoo due harassment

16 November 2022 01:55 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Tusker Muthuraja, which was a gift by the government of Thailand to Sri Lanka, was ordered to be handed over to the Dehiwala Zoological Garden due to ill treatment meted out on the animal by the mahout in charge.

The Tusker was gifted to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, Kumaranatunga by the government of Thailand, and the majestic animal was later given to the Aluthgama Kande Vihara temple.

But later, it was revealed that the tusker was facing inhuman ill treatment by the mahout who was entrusted with caring for it.

According to reports, the Thai ambassador had decided to return Muthuraja to Thailand today (16), citing the elephant's harassment.

However, following lengthy discussions with the Ministry Secretary, it was decided to keep the tusker in Sri Lanka.

Later, the Minister Mahinda Amaraweera instructed the Secretary to take necessary steps to take care of the tusker at the Dehiwala National Zoological Garden.

Currently, the tusker is safe amid the care given by the staff of the Dehiwala Zoo, Amaraweera said.

The National Zoological Department has agreed to keep the elephant in the Dehiwala Zoo, and has advised the Secretary to discuss the matter with the Thai Ambassador and take the necessary steps.

The Zoo Department Director General said that the elephant is currently in very good condition in the Zoo and that the Thai Ambassador, who visited the elephant, was very happy with the steps taken to take care of it. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Comments - 10

DOT Wednesday, 16 November 2022 02:12 PM

One Elephant is sufficient enough! Already proved!

Sri Wednesday, 16 November 2022 02:21 PM

Now in sri lanka animals too are not spared of harassment ... politicians and police have been harassing people for some political reasons now animals are being harassed for no reasons..what is wrong with all these behaviour..we used to be one of best nation ..now all good things are going one by one ..

Man Wednesday, 16 November 2022 02:31 PM

An excellent ambassador unlike Sri Lankan Ambassadors.

Mizaru Wednesday, 16 November 2022 02:32 PM

No Elephants should be allowed in temples.

Shanaz Latiff Wednesday, 16 November 2022 02:34 PM

Was the elephant keeper who harassed the elephant punished? Or was he just allowed to skip any kind of punishment legal or corporal. If there be laws passed on animal rights and protection then they should be enacted. No wonder we hv been a struggling nation for so long. Its a heinous crime to let innocent animals be harassed.

Sandy Wednesday, 16 November 2022 02:36 PM

Most elephants in temples face harassment, this must stop. Elephants should only be made available to the temples during special occasions only.

BuffaloaCitizen Wednesday, 16 November 2022 02:38 PM

What a shameless inhuman country. We Sinhalese certainly are not true Buddhists but use this as a label to cover our ingrained criminality and thuggery.

BuffaloaCitizen Wednesday, 16 November 2022 02:38 PM

What a shameless inhuman country. We Sinhalese certainly are not true Buddhists but use this as a label to cover our ingrained criminality and thuggery.

Dilshan Perera Thursday, 17 November 2022 10:43 AM

Name and shame the mahout until he's punished!

Jehan Thursday, 17 November 2022 11:29 AM

Temples are full of robed criminals who are into animal and human trafficking

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Tusker donated by Thailand shifted to Dehiwala Zoo due harassment

Comments - 10

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