Gifted tusker flown back to Thailand

2 July 2023 09:53 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

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The tusker 'Muthu Raja' gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka has been flown back for medical treatment early this morning from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake.

The tusker was a gift from the Thai royal family to former President Chandrika Kumaranatunga in 2001 and she later handed over the elephant to the Aluthgama Kande Viharaya. It was one of two tuskers gifted by the Thai government.

The tusker Muthu Raja was sent back to Thailand in a Russian Ilyushin-type cargo plane which arrived at the BIA.

It was later revealed that the elephant faced severe abuse due to the inconsiderate behaviour of the mahout who was in charge of the elephant.

Therefore, the Thai ambassador to Sri Lanka had Muthu Raja taken from the Kande Viharaya and entrusted it to the Dehiwala Zoo for medical care. However, the zoo had not been able to provide the necessary treatment due to lack of facilities, and the Thai authorities decided to take the elephant back to Thailand for expert medical care. (T.K.G. Kapila)

Pix by T.K.G. Kapila

Comments - 12

Amaran Sunday, 02 July 2023 11:02 AM

Get Well soon and come back.

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Inshi Sunday, 02 July 2023 11:25 AM

Thank you to the Thai Govt for the majestic gift to Sri Lanka. Hope he will get well soon and be kept there for better care. No animal deserves to suffer.

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Inshi Sunday, 02 July 2023 11:35 AM

Thank you to the Thai Govt for this majestic animal. The love and care you show this tusker is so great that a cargo plane was brought down to take him back. Speedy recovery to him and please keep him there for better care.

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Ranjan Veterinarian Sunday, 02 July 2023 12:03 PM

It's sad our country doesn't have the facilities to treat an elephant. I know very well that we have a well experienced veterinarian who is internationally renowned. He should have been the ideal person to treat this animal with the facilities we have in Sri Lanka

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Kabir Hashim Sunday, 02 July 2023 12:19 PM

What a waste of money in a country of starving children.

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Not so, Thailand is paying for it all to save him from the land of abuse of men and animals Sunday, 02 July 2023 10:03 PM

How ignorant you seem. This saga has been going on for weeks. Thailand found out about the abuse and pay to rescue the tusker from the abuse here. If the tusker died here, this tusks would have been wonderful for the temple, however fortunately he is saved going back at least for now. The Prime Minister even apologize to the Thai, but they will know it is just diplomatic talk, and nothing meaningful.

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Government did nothing afraid of the Temple, should bring in new law to curb abuses Sunday, 02 July 2023 12:22 PM

When it was clearly revealed the animal was abused by his handlers employed by the temple, the government sat on it's hands. Sure it treated him in the zoo, but then he goes back to the cycle of abuse. Government bring in new law to curb abuse of elephants owned by private operators, whether they are temple or business.

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Thailand should not send him back unless new laws here to prevent abuse to domesticated elephants Sunday, 02 July 2023 12:24 PM

Thailand would be mad to send back the elephant, knowing the temple knowingly allowed the mahoot to abuse the animal. The chief monk has no remorse and just demands the elephant to restored to health and sent back to the place of abuse. Thailand should not send the elephant back unless government here brings in new laws to handle similar or further abuse of all domesticated elephants.

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The Austrian tourist Sunday, 02 July 2023 02:00 PM

Watching the incredibly shattering story of this beautiful creature made me more than sad. Sri Lanka on my first visit, seemed like paradise island to me. 5 years later this idea was destroyed by its people ripping off tourists and how they are treating animals. My dear Muthu Raja, From the bottom of my heart ❤️ I am released and so so happy that you could now escape this hell.

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You have money, we help you to overcome your need to keep it Sunday, 02 July 2023 10:14 PM

Maybe you are poorer now than 5 years ago. We are suffering greatly, and surely you understand that higher prices for white and lighter skinned is now the new normal.

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Rishan Sunday, 02 July 2023 09:02 PM

Poor fellow . Let him stay in Thailand ...

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dot V Monday, 03 July 2023 04:20 AM

What a trauma for a majestic animal sending back and forth by humans .Animal designed , evolved and programmed to live a happy life in his own abode and haven the forest.A Tusker so majestic born to be the head of his herd was made to feel helpless at the hands of a human .

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