COLOMBO — Bhathiya is a tusker whose towering presence once symbolized the majestic beauty of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants (Elephas maximus). But his life took a tragic turn when he sustained gunshot injuries that led to a slow and painful battle for survival, highlighting the harsh reality of human-elephant conflict in the Indian Ocean island. According to Tharaka Prasad, director of wildlife health with the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Bhathiya was first reported with a badly swollen front right leg mid-May. The elephant also had difficulties in lifting its trunk, which Prasad considers to be a result of nerve pressure due to another gunshot aimed at its head. Although Bhathiya was initially able to move, his condition steadily deteriorated. As he struggled to maneuver his trunk, the wildlife team had to feed him by placing food directly into his mouth using a long stick. By early June, he collapsed near a small man-made tank, partially submerged in water — too weak to stand. The incident triggered an urgent rescue effort by the DWC, veterinary surgeons and local villagers. Using heavy machinery, the team was able to lift Bhathiya and get him back on his feet. However, just a few days later, he collapsed again. Prasad told Mongabay that the footpad of Bhathiya’s left leg had detached after bearing the full weight of his body. Many saw Bhathiya as a majestic tusker who roamed Sri Lanka’s dry zone. Image courtesy of Dinuka Lakmal. Mobilizing emergency support The sight of Bhathiya…This article was originally published on Mongabay

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