• The tusker is nearly 35 years old and possesses a pair of tusks nearly four feet in length

By Kushan Jayawardana

Tusker Bharana was one of the few remaining giant tuskers in the island and had attracted more tourists in Kalawewa International Park, was found dead mysteriously.

The carcass of the tusker was found in the National Namal Uyana forest reserve in Galkiriyagama by the Galkiriyagama wildlife officers, yesterday.

The wildlife officials suspected that the tusker might have died last morning, but the cause of the death was not revealed.

Preliminary investigations were conducted by the officers of Galkiriagama Wildlife Site Protection Office and Galkiriagama Police Station.

The tusker is nearly 35 years old and possesses a pair of tusks nearly four feet in length. The tusker often roams near the Kalawewa National Park and the National Namal Uyana regularly.