Tusker donated by Thailand shifted to Dehiwala Zoo due to harassment

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By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

The Tusker  Muthuraja, which was a gift by the government of Thailand to Sri Lanka, was ordered to be handed over to the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens due to ill treatment meted out on the animal by the mahout in charge.

The tusker was gifted to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunga by the government of Thailand, and the majestic animal was later given to the Aluthgama Kande Vihara temple.

But later, it was revealed that the tusker was facing inhuman ill treatment by the mahout who was entrusted with caring for it.
According to reports, the Thai ambassador had decided to return Muthuraja to Thailand today (16), citing the elephant’s harassment.  
However, following lengthy discussions with the Ministry Secretary, it was decided to keep the tusker in Sri Lanka.  

Later, the Minister Mahinda Amaraweera instructed the Secretary to take necessary steps to take care of the tusker at the Dehiwala National Zoological Garden.  
Currently, the tusker is safe amid the care given by the staff of the Dehiwala Zoo, Amaraweera said.  

The National Zoological Department has agreed to keep the elephant in the Dehiwala Zoo, and has advised the Secretary to discuss the matter with the Thai Ambassador and take the necessary steps.   The Zoo Department Director General said that the elephant is currently in very good condition in the Zoo and that the Thai Ambassador, who visited the elephant, was very happy with the steps taken to take care of it.    

• It was revealed that the tusker was facing inhuman ill treatment by the mahout who was entrusted with caring for it