Illegally adopted baby elephant rescued

Irangika Range

The Flying Squad of the Wild Life Conservation Department yesterday arrested two suspects who have illegally adopted a baby elephant in Athurugiriya.

It was revealed in the investigation that this baby elephant was adopted by these suspects without a legal permit. It is a four-feet tall male baby elephant.

According to the Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patalee Champika Ranawaka, both Wild Life Conservation Department and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources are periodically receiving information about people who rob and adopt baby elephants by preparing illegal documents.

Accordingly, the flying squad conducted the raid in the area following a tip-off to rescue this baby elephant.

Two suspects have already been arrested and produced before the Magistrate in Homagama yesterday. They were remanded. The baby elephant was transfered to the Ath Athuru Sewana-(Udawalawa Elephant transit home).

The Minister said that he will take stern action against culprits who illegally adopt baby elephants.

Meanwhile, the Minister informed those who legally adopt baby elephants aged below 10 years to register their details under the Director General of the Wild Life Department with immediate effect to avoid any inconvenience.