🐘🇱🇰 FAREWELL KAWANTHISSA: THE GENTLE GIANT OF KALAWEWA HAS FALLEN!

A majestic old warrior, who survived decades in the wild, has finally lost his last battle.

⭕ Kawanthissa, one of Sri Lanka's tallest and most magnificent wild tuskers, has passed away following weeks of treatment for reported gunshot injuries and deteriorating health.

⭕ An ageing giant, estimated to be around 50 to 60 years old, Kawanthissa was among the iconic tuskers of the Kalawewa region, roaming the Galgamuwa, Meegalewa and Siyambalangamuwa landscapes.

⭕ An unofficial wildlife census conducted in August 2018 recorded 48 tuskers in Kalawewa, including 22 large and 26 smaller tuskers, according to Sri Lanka's National Audit Office.

⭕ Since then, the region has lost some of its most celebrated giants, including Revatha, Barana, Deegadanthu I and Bathiya. With the passing of Kawanthissa, yet another majestic giant has been lost.

⭕ Having survived decades of challenges in the wild, Kawanthissa's final days were marked by pain and suffering. Despite weeks of dedicated efforts by wildlife veterinarians to save him, the ageing giant could not recover.

⭕ His passing is yet another painful reminder of the threats facing Sri Lanka's remaining wild tuskers, particularly from human-elephant conflict.

The giants of Kalawewa are disappearing, one by one. Another irreplaceable piece of Sri Lanka's living natural heritage is gone.

Rest in peace, Kawanthissa. 🖤