May 26, 2025
Bathiya Found with Disabled Leg
Bathiya was found in Waduressa, Ambanpola with a disabled leg. Villagers reported that he had been in the area for nearly one month. The Wildlife Department provided food and vegetables to help him.
Tusker Bathiya was an iconic wild elephant in Sri Lanka who tragically died in July 2025. He suffered from a severe injury that left his leg disabled and caused him great pain. Despite weeks of care from wildlife officers, veterinarians, and rescue teams, Bathiya fell multiple times and spent days in water. His condition slowly got worse, and he passed away on July 15, 2025, leaving the nation in grief.
Below is a chronological account of Bathiya's journey, from the discovery of his injury to the nation's collective mourning. Each update represents the dedicated efforts of wildlife officials, veterinarians, rescue teams, and countless volunteers who fought to save his life.
Bathiya was found in Waduressa, Ambanpola with a disabled leg. Villagers reported that he had been in the area for nearly one month. The Wildlife Department provided food and vegetables to help him.
Bathiya fell into a nearby lake due to his disability and weakness. His injured leg made it difficult for him to move safely.
Bathiya was able to stand again with mechanical support after receiving saline and medication from the rescue team.
Bathiya remained in the water for two days, unable to get out on his own. His condition became more serious during this time.
Bathiya could not use his trunk to eat anymore. Wildlife officers had to feed him by hand in the evening.
Bathiya fell down again due to lack of food and weakness. He was unable to stand by himself anymore.
Bathiya was lifted again with mechanical support in the evening. He started eating by himself again, giving hope to the rescue team.
Bathiya was found in the water again. Wildlife officers provided cattle feed mixed with vegetables to keep him nourished.
Bathiya was in a small water-filled pit, unable to stand and showing little movement. Despite antibiotics worth half a million rupees, his condition remained critical.
Bathiya became less active. The Army and Peradeniya Veterinary Faculty joined the rescue efforts. Blood samples were taken to check for infections.
After laying on one side for two weeks, Bathiya was carefully turned. The team found wounds on his body and a gunshot wound near his left ear. Water was added to help lift him, then removed.
Bathiya passed away at 8:55 in the morning. A postmortem revealed that the wound near his ear was caused by another tusker's tusk, not a gunshot. His head and tusks were taken to the Galgamuwa office.