‘Seetha’ health condition gradually getting worse

• Need to remove three metal pieces located close to the heart

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

The health of elephant ‘Seetha’ has taken a turn for the worse as three metal pieces continue to pose a grave threat in her chest cavity, near her heart and lungs, Peradeniya University Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Faculty Prof. Ashoka Dangolla said.  
He told the Daily Mirror that the situation is getting critical and the health of the elephant is not at a satisfactory level. 
 
A blood sample was taken from the elephant following a court order. We have to wait until we get the blood report. Soon after the report is received, we need to inform the magistrate about the condition and take out the remaining metal pieces.  
The area close to the heart of the elephant where the three metal pieces are lodged has swollen.  

The female elephant, ‘Seetha’, was injured following a shooting incident by a wildlife officer. After receiving treatment, the elephant was taken to Maharagama to its residence in a truck on October 18 afternoon.