The elephant’s veterinarian, Professor Ashoka Dangolla, Head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Peradeniya, has provided insights into the care and health of Thairaja or Vijayaraja. In an interview with Lankasara, Professor Dangolla revealed that Thairaja is currently being kept in a secure and convenient location outside the palace limits.
Responding to Lankasara’s inquiry, Professor Dangolla explained that during the low season, the elephants are isolated in their natural habitat and temporarily held. This practice accounts for Thairaja’s absence from the palace in recent days.
Since 2004, Dr. Dangolla has been closely monitoring Thairaja’s health, along with other elephants, ensuring their well-being and providing necessary treatments when required. Apart from the annual distemper vaccination and deworming, the elephants receive regular health check-ups. If any signs of illness are detected through special monitoring, blood tests, or urine tests, appropriate drug treatments are administered.
Under Professor Dangolla’s guidance, a veterinarian visits the palace every month to examine the elephants, including Thairaja. In case of any unusual symptoms, immediate investigations are conducted to address the matter promptly.
