NewsWildlife officers have launched a special operation to capture a wild elephant that gained entry into the Ridiyagama Safari Park in Amabalantota. The elephant had entered the park after breaking through one of its gates this morning (24). Area residents said that the lone elephant had been roaming the area even prior to the construction of the safari park. Following a call for assistance, officers from Udawalawa, Mauara and the Hambantota Wildlife office, as well as veterinarians from the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home, have joined the operation to capture the elephant. Journalists who attrmpted to cover the operation to capture the elephant were prevented from entering the park by wildlife officers, citing concerns over their safety.

Source: Sunday Times April 24, 2018 09:11 UTC