Year ends with another wild elephant death in Maduru Oya canal

Several gunshot wounds were found on the elephant’s head

Investigation underway to determine whether death was caused by drowning or gunshot injuries 

By Nimal Jayaratne 

An elephant has died after being swept through the Maduru Oya canal system in Polonnaruwa, marking another tragic end for the island’s wildlife as the year drew to a close yesterday morning. 

The approximately 25-year-old bull elephant reportedly fell into the Z-D canal. It was then carried away by the current, became trapped under a sluice gate near Allai Wewa, and was later found dead in a canal sluice. 

Authorities from the Pimburaththewa Field Office, who recovered the carcass using backhoes, noted several gunshot wounds on the elephant’s head. An investigation led by Wildlife Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Sameera Kaliguharachchi is underway to determine whether the cause of death was drowning or the gunshot injuries. 

The incident was reported by local residents on the morning of December 31. A team of wildlife officers, including Field Guard P.V. Perera and Assistant Field Guard S.A. Wickramaratne, is conducting further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.