The majestic tusker known as ‘Kandalame Hadakaraya’, who had been receiving treatment at the Kandalama Reservoir for more than six months, passed away yesterday afternoon (13th).
The wild elephant, believed to be between 25 and 30 years old, had been in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to one of its front legs.
It had previously been shot on multiple occasions due to the ongoing human–elephant conflict in the area.
About a year ago, after recovering from treatment and being released back into the wild, the tusker was shot again—an injury that ultimately proved fatal.
