The elephant Bhathiya, who was undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds, died this morning (July 15), according to reports. The elephant, who had fallen into a water hole in the Polpithigama area with serious injuries from multiple gunshot wounds, had been treated by reducing the water in the hole and giving it saline.
Since the elephant’s muscles were weak, it had to be taken to the end of the hole without being straightened and treated.
In addition to wildlife veterinarians, doctors from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Peradeniya also assisted in the treatment of Bhathiya. However, all those efforts failed and unfortunately, Bhathiya died.
Doctors had warned in advance that given the condition of the injuries sustained, Bhathiya’s life would not be saved. However, social media users who spoke out on behalf of Bhathiya are severely criticizing the slow response of the Department of Wildlife and the Ministry of Environment.