Officials from the Maho Wildlife Office and the Nikaweratiya Wildlife Veterinary Unit, together with local residents, were able to help the famous giant tusker Bhathiya stand today. The elephant had collapsed in critical condition on the bank of the Polpithigama tank due to an injury to its front right leg.
Bhathiya had been found lying on the tank’s bank for the past few days, unable to stand because of the leg injury.
Wildlife officials and the veterinary team had been providing treatment to the elephant for several days. Yesterday (June 2), when the elephant collapsed again near the tank, local residents informed the Maho Wildlife Office and the Nikaweratiya Veterinary Unit. The team responded quickly and continued treating the elephant on-site.
Although efforts were made to lift the elephant using ropes, it remained lying down, and the veterinary team had to administer treatment while it was still on the ground.
