Oldest elephant Bandula dead

24 September 2022 02:00 am - 4 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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He was 78-years-old at the time of death
The elephant had been handed over to the zoo in 1943 by wildlife conservators when it was a year old calf that roamed away from the herd

By H.M. Dharmapala

The oldest elephant in the Dehiwala Zoo named Bandula, died in the early hours of last morning. He was 78-years-old at the time of death.

A spokesman for the zoo said the elephant had been handed over to the zoo in 1943 by wildlife conservators when it was a year old calf that roamed away from the herd.

Then Director of the Zoo Major Obrey Weinman had taken steps to train the elephant for the elephant dancing show which is a main tourist attraction.

A senior official of Dehiwala Zoo said the average life span of an elephant was between 60 and 80 and that Bandula lived 78 years due to the health care and attention. He said the elephant Bandula had taken ill recently and died last morning despite attempts of the veterinary surgeons to save his life.

Bandula had taken ill recently and died last morning despite attempts of the veterinary surgeons to save his life

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Comments - 4

Terrence Saturday, 24 September 2022 08:44 AM

Who says that one of the oldest elephants has died this is fake news the only thing is Bandula has crossed over a few moons ago to the Pottuwa ?

What a sad situation Saturday, 24 September 2022 10:38 AM

The oldest elephant has died but the wild oldest elephant in our country is still alive.

LankanLover Saturday, 24 September 2022 11:59 AM

I myself a person who visited Dehiwala Zoo only twice in my entire life, In my opinion Zoo should not exist at any cost using this precious creatures for human Entertainment, I would rather suggest to have Animal Sanctuaries!

Maxi Saturday, 24 September 2022 05:19 PM

When we saw this I rejoiced that Bandula Gunewrdena had died and were happy! Very sadly it was a magnificent icon of our land who passed away! What sad news!

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Oldest elephant Bandula dead

Comments - 4

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