Two and half year old elephant calf in Wild Life custody

Two and half year old elephant calf which Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero retained in Wild Life custody!

Wild Life authorities happened to take into custody last evening (27) an elephant calf which was

illegally retained by Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero at Alan Methiniyaramaya in Narahenpita, Colombo. The animal had not been registered and the authorities said that an animal of such a tender age cannot be retained without a permit. A tip off was received by Mr. Wasantha Senanayaka, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports and he together with Wild Life officers conducted the said raid.

The calf in question was about two and a half years old and about 4 feet in height and also had scars of some wounds, it was reported.

On this occasion Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero of Mahindaramaya was not present at Alan Methiniyarama while the aged thero who was there had vehemently protested against the Wild Life authorities of removing the animal, it is understood.

However, the Deputy Minister had subsequently explained matters to Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero over the telephone and had obtained permission to remove the animal. The thero had requested that the other bigger elephant which was with the calf too be taken away today (28) as the latter desired the association of the former to stay close to each other.

Though several complaints had been received about the calf being kept in custody for sometime at Alan Methiniyarama in this manner, the Wild Life authorities could not take any action during the past regime.