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Saving Bathiya an uphill task
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The team trying to keep Bathiya alive. Pic by Bandara Thalapathvawa
Veterinary surgeons and wildlife officers, as well as police and army officers, are fighting an uphill task to save the life of the ailing tusker Bathiya, who lies on his side in a muddy pit in the Polpithigama area.
Of the three elephants currently being treated for gunshot injuries, Bathiya’s condition is the worst. The injured Kala Wewa tusker Yasa, as well as the elephant in Kandalama, are in a better state. Tusker Yasa is not in a serious condition, said veterinarian Dr. Chandana Jayasinghe who treated the animal.
Meanwhile, well-known veterinarian and professor in veterinary clinical science at the University of Peradeniya. Prof. Asoka Dangolla said saving Bathiya is a difficult task, as the animal has several issues. He said the tusker’s right front leg had gunshot injuries, limiting its movement.
Prof. Asoka Dangolla
“Its left leg too does not have a sole. I believe the left leg injury would have occurred after it stepped on a plank with nails running through it,” he said. He said such devices were a cruel way to deter elephants from entering household gardens. The plank gets stuck in the elephant’s sole, and it festers and eventually comes off.
He added that Bathiya was also suffering neurological disorders and the animal had collapsed three times. The veterinarian pointed out that the tusker had lost its coordination to the extent that it could not take the food grabbed by its trunk to its mouth.
“With treatment, food, and care, the animal is showing slight improvement by moving its trunk and legs, yet the animal cannot stand. According to initial tests, Bhathiya’s blood work is also bad. I cannot give false hope, but we have not given up on him yet,” he said.
Assistant Ranger of the Mahawa Wildlife beat office, J.M.A.S. Jayasundara, who has been tending to the tusker, said that they have not given up on Bathiya.
“The tusker has not given up fighting for his life, so we are also hoping for the best,” he said.
He added that the DWC is providing the necessary food under the supervision of veterinarians, and there is no need for any additional food. He also said people should avoid trying to feed the tusker and should maintain a distance, as that stresses the injured animal further.
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