The death of a wild elephant after falling into the Pimburaaththaewa Z-D canal raises suspicion.

The Pimburettewa Wildlife Office states that a wild elephant that fell into the 'ZD' canal in the Mahadamana area of the Pimburettewa Wewa (reservoir) has drowned. The elephant, approximately 25 years old and about 7 feet tall, has died.

An official from the Pimburettewa Wildlife Office stated that this wild elephant had traveled near the Bamunu area the day before yesterday (March 31). Later, it fell into the canal near the Aluth Oya bridge and disappeared after some time. Although wildlife officials and local residents attempted to rescue the elephant from the canal, it was unsuccessful because the elephant lacked the necessary strength to get out. A wildlife official who participated in the rescue operation said that the elephant also had injuries to its head.

The body of the deceased elephant, which was in the Mahadamana water distribution canal, was recovered by wildlife officials yesterday (April 1) with the aid of a backhoe. A post-mortem examination to determine the cause of the elephant's death was scheduled to be conducted yesterday by Girithale Veterinary Officer Mr. Kalindu Arachchi. However, local residents allege that there were gunshot marks on the elephant's head.

Further investigations into this matter are being carried out by P.T.K. Perera, the Park Warden of the Pimburettewa Wildlife Office, and W.S.A. Wikum Rathna, the Park Ranger.

A photograph related to this incident shows how the elephant, which had fallen into the 'ZD' canal and died, was recovered.