Elephant Shot in the Head by Skilled Poacher in Kurundewa

Elephant Dies from Gunshot Wound to the Head by Skilled Marksman‼️

An elephant death was reported yesterday (13) in the Kurundewa area near the Palukadawala reservoir. We visited the location following the report and witnessed the heartbreaking scene of a young elephant, approximately 10 years old, lying dead, having seemingly collapsed to its knees.

Upon examining the gunshot wounds, it was evident that the shots were precisely targeted at the elephant’s forehead. This area is part of a regular elephant corridor from the Palukadawala reservoir, and it's highly likely that the animal was suddenly confronted by a poacher, who shot it directly in the head at close range. The precise nature of the shots suggests the involvement of a skilled shooter, and the elephant appears to have collapsed and died on the spot.

However, the regional wildlife veterinarian could not arrive yesterday to conduct a post-mortem examination. Today as well, due to obligations related to another elephant, it seems unlikely they will have enough time to carry it out. It’s concerning that even after two days, the post-mortem has not been conducted. As of today, the carcass is decomposing and emitting a foul odor, with several short spells of rain also falling in the area.

There is no need for further examples to highlight the urgent requirement for a dedicated veterinary unit in the Galgamuwa region.