Reports suggest that the famous Yala National Park tusker, ‘Sando,’ has not been seen for several days, prompting an investigation by the Wildlife Conservation Department to confirm whether it is dead.
Environmentalists are concerned, especially after the discovery of a tusker’s carcass, fueling speculation about Sando’s fate. However, a senior Wildlife Department official clarified that Sando is not always visible in Block 1 of the park, as it frequently moves to less-visited areas.
The official also noted that the Wildlife Department does not assign names to elephants—such names are given by environmentalists and animal lovers. It remains unconfirmed whether Sando is dead or alive.
A veterinary investigation is underway, but identifying the carcass is a complex process that involves comparing its physical features with photos of Sando.
Sando was a well-known attraction in Yala, often seen in viral videos chasing safari jeeps, thrilling tourists.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Sri Lankan elephants are the largest and darkest of Asian elephants, living in herds of 12-20 individuals led by the oldest female.
Sri Lanka faces a severe human-elephant conflict, with over 170 people and nearly 500 elephants killed last year, including around 20 elephants struck by trains annually.
