Bathiya, the ailing tusker who had been battling for his life over the past few days, died this morning in Polpithigama, despite the relentless efforts of veterinary surgeons, wildlife officers, and personnel from the police and army.

The majestic elephant had been lying on his side in a muddy pit, suffering from multiple injuries and serious medical complications. Among the three elephants currently under treatment for gunshot wounds, Bathiya’s condition was the most critical.

Renowned veterinarian Prof. Asoka Dangolla of the University of Peradeniya had earlier warned that saving Bathiya was a daunting task. The elephant had suffered a gunshot injury to his right front leg, severely limiting his mobility. His left leg was also in poor condition, having lost its sole — likely after stepping on a plank embedded with nails, a cruel method sometimes used to deter elephants from entering home gardens.

Bathiya was suffering from neurological issues, leading to repeated collapses. The tusker had even lost coordination to the extent that he could not feed himself using his trunk. Blood tests had indicated poor health, further dimming hopes of recovery.

While the other injured elephants — the Kala Wewa tusker Yasa and another in Kandalama — are reportedly in better condition, Bathiya’s death underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to protect Sri Lanka’s dwindling elephant population from human-induced harm.