Attemp to ride on tusker ends in disaster

• The young man hung on to its tail and attempted to mount on its back, regardless of the warnings of the villagers 

By Dayaratne Embogama and Saman Gamage   

A young man under the influence of liquor, who ventured to ride on tusker Agbo frequenting the Kanumullegama tank in Thirappane received injuries when the jumbo hit him with his limb. He was admitted to Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.   

The jumbo had been under treatment by Wildlife Department veterinary surgeons for gunshot injuries and released to the jungle recently after recovery. However, it had been frequenting human habitats.   

When the young man was at the trunk of the wild elephant twice without being hurt, he was under the impression that the jumbo was friendly, and hung on to its tail and attempted to mount on its back, regardless of the warnings of the villagers. The man was then hit by the elephant and was thrown to the ground.