The majestic tusker popularly known as Kandalame Hadakaraya, who had been receiving treatment at the Kandalama Reservoir for over six months, has died this afternoon (13).
The wild elephant, estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old, had been in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to one of its front legs.
This tusker had been shot on multiple occasions in the past due to the ongoing human–elephant conflict in the area. About a year ago, after undergoing treatment and being released back into the wild, the animal was shot again—an injury that ultimately proved fatal.
