Stopped elephant bathing resumed - an announcement from Pinnawala

The National Zoological Department announced that the bathing of elephants from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Ma Oya, which was temporarily halted due to the adverse weather conditions that affected Sri Lanka in recent days, has recommenced.

The department stated in its announcement that due to the adverse weather conditions, the water in Ma Oya had become turbid, and the area where elephants bathe was submerged by layers of sand and silt. Furthermore, it was observed that glass shards and iron pieces, which could be dangerous to the elephants, were present among these sand layers.

The department further explained that considering the safety and welfare of the elephants, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage had taken steps to temporarily restrict taking elephants to Ma Oya.

The National Zoological Department confirms in its announcement that subsequently, after obtaining approval from the Department of Irrigation, an excavator was used to remove the sand and other debris accumulated at the elephant bathing spot in Ma Oya and carry out cleaning operations.

Accordingly, the department's announcement further states that the bathing of elephants in Ma Oya, as usual, recommenced from the 24th of last month.