Sando dead or alive; no official confirmation yet

• Tusker last spotted in October 2024

By Kelum Bandara 

The wildlife authorities are still investigating whether the iconic tusker in the Yala National Park ‘Sando’ is dead, Daily Mirror learns.   

Speculation is rife that Sando is dead following the discovery of a carcass of a tusker. Sando had been last spotted in October, 2024, according to the wildlife authorities. A tusker’s carcass has been found in such a context giving further credence to speculation.

The authorities concerned are now in the process of collecting DNA samples in furtherance of investigations.   

The carcass which was found is believed to be a tusker aged between 20 and 30 whereas Sando is believed to a bit older in age.   

“There are no gunshot injuries in the carcass. So, it is believed to have died to due to some natural reasons. It is yet to confirm whether the carcass is of Sando or not. We cannot rule out whether Sando is live or dead,” he said.   

Sando was famous among tourists visiting Yala. It was even seen chasing Safari vehicles.