It is reported that Kavantissa an elephant who garnered significant attention on social media over the past few days passed away this afternoon. Kavantissa, known as the largest and tallest wild elephant in the country, died in the Siyambalangamuwa area while undergoing treatment for injuries sustained from a gunshot.
Wildlife veterinarians had begun treating the elephant who was in critical condition due to gunshot wounds several weeks ago, on September 26. The attending veterinarians had noted that the gunshot wound was showing signs of healing. However, local residents claim that the administration of treatment was interrupted for several days, causing the elephant’s condition to deteriorate once again.
A few days ago, Chandana Jayasinghe the wildlife veterinarian for the Anuradhapura District, who was overseeing Kavantissa’s treatment stated that the elephant was suffering from severe diarrhea. He stated at a press conference that although attempts were made to collect fecal samples for testing, they were unsuccessful; consequently, treatment is continuing based on observations and clinical assumptions.
Reports indicated that the wound on the elephant’s leg has healed to some extent. Furthermore, although the elephant, ‘Kavantissa,’ had stopped eating due to diarrhea, he resumed food intake about a day ago.
About two days prior, a photograph of Kavantissa in a reservoir circulated on social media. Some parties suggested that the elephant had ingested a toxin, which prompted him to enter the water. Meanwhile, others on social media have speculated that the death might have been caused by an overdose of antibiotics administered during the initial stages of his treatment.
In light of this, attempts were made to contact Isuru Hewakottage the wildlife veterinarian who initially treated Kavantissa by telephone to obtain further details, but these attempts were unsuccessful. Social and environmental activists, among others, point out that the death of this elephant was caused by the negligence of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, noting that veterinary treatment was not initiated in a timely manner.
Furthermore, a majority of social media users are calling for the Minister in charge of Wildlife, Dhammika Patabandi, to accept responsibility and resign. They also demand an impartial post-mortem examination, conducted with the assistance of international experts. It is reported that the elephant was discovered collapsed in the Siyambalangamuwa area this morning, but it subsequently died later in the afternoon.