Shot earlier in both eyes & now in the leg: Wildlife officials treat blind elephant

Newswire reports that a male wild elephant, estimated to be about 45 years old, was treated for a gunshot wound to a hind leg in Diyaluma, Haldummulla. It had been roaming in the Kolongaswewa area. Wildlife officials said steep, mountainous terrain complicated efforts to tranquillise it.

Newswire reports that the elephant first lost sight in one eye after being shot and was treated, then was shot in its other eye and became completely blind. While waiting for it to reach safer, flatter ground, veterinarians gave it antibiotics, according to Newswire.

Newswire reports that a team led by veterinarian Dr. Akalanka Pinidiya of the Randenigala Veterinary Unit tranquillised the elephant on Thursday (5) and carried out its third treatment. Newswire says officers from the Seelathenna Wildlife Office are monitoring its condition.

Newswire reports that wildlife authorities are weighing a move to a more suitable habitat because of the terrain and environmental conditions where the elephant currently lives. Newswire also says the Hasthi Sena campaign continues, with wildlife officers, the armed forces and other security bodies working to remove illegal guns, explosive bait and snares and apprehend people responsible for wildlife crimes.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.