Probe centres on illegal elephant trade after Kataragama detection
The recent detection of a captive baby elephant in Kataragama has raised fears that the illegal trading in elephants is raising its ugly head again after a lull of several months.
According to Kataragama Police, the threemonth-old calf was found in a private property on the Situlpawwa Road at Demala Thotupala, close to the Yala National Park. The animal had been found tethered to a tree when the police raided the hideout following a tip off.
Wildlife Conservation Director General M.G.C. Suriyabandra said that in addition to the police inquiry, the a Wildlife Department team headed by Deputy Director W.A.D.U Indrajith is also probing the case.
The owner of the property told police that the baby elephant had wandered into his garden and he had kept back it for its own safety. However, police said they would take action against the property owner if he was involved in the illegal elephant trade.
Wildlife Department Officials said they found injuries on the calves of the animal which was weak and sick. The animal is undergoing treatment at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
Last year, police and Wildlife officials rescued five baby elephants from locations close to the Yala National park in a similar condition. Police suspect they too were being held to be sold illegally.