Famed Elephant Deega-Danthu Bids Farewell After Electrocution

November 28, 2024
Famed Elephant Deega-Danthu Bids Farewell After Electrocution Prasad Namal Fernando/Facebook

Deega-Danthu, one of Sri Lanka's most majestic wild elephants, known for its extraordinary tusks, has died due to electrocution. The tusker, often seen roaming the Kala Wewa and its surrounding forest reserves, was widely regarded as a symbol of the region's natural beauty and wildlife heritage.

Renowned for having the longest tusks among the elephants frequenting the Kala Wewa area, Deega-Danthu was a prominent figure in the Kahalla-Palle Forest Reservation, Reswehera, Siyabalangamuwa, Kala Wewa, and Balalu Wewa regions.

For the past four years, this iconic elephant had remained out of sight, sparking curiosity and concern among wildlife enthusiasts. His recent reappearance brought hope and excitement, drawing many to Kala Wewa to catch a glimpse of the magnificent animal.

Deega-Danthu was a regular visitor among the herd of over 200 elephants that frequent the Kala Wewa and Balalu Wewa reservoirs during the dry season.