One of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wild elephants died on Friday evening after his condition deteriorated despite weeks of veterinary care for a suspected gunshot injury.
COLOMBO, October 16, 2026 — Kavantissa, one of Sri Lanka’s largest and tallest wild tuskers, died at approximately 6.18 p.m. on Friday while receiving veterinary treatment for serious health complications, wildlife officials confirmed.
The elephant, a familiar presence in the Galgamuwa region, was found collapsed in the Siyambalangamuwa area earlier in the day after his condition deteriorated.
Wildlife veterinarians had been treating Kavantissa since September 24 for an injury to his right foreleg, believed to have been caused by a gunshot.
Although the wound initially showed signs of healing, the tusker subsequently developed additional complications, including a loss of appetite and a marked deterioration in his overall health.
Veterinary Teams Attempted to Save Kavantissa
Specialist veterinary teams from the Department of Wildlife Conservation continued efforts to stabilise the elephant as his condition worsened.
The Government had also approved arrangements to obtain assistance from veterinary specialists in Thailand.
Despite the intervention, Kavantissa died on Friday evening, bringing an end to weeks of treatment.
Post-Mortem Scheduled for October 17
Widely admired for his extraordinary height, imposing stature and distinctive tusks, Kavantissa was among Sri Lanka’s most recognisable wild elephants.
His death represents a significant loss to the country’s wildlife heritage.
A separate team of veterinary surgeons is scheduled to conduct a post-mortem examination on Saturday, October 17, to determine the precise cause of death.
Although Kavantissa had been receiving treatment for a suspected gunshot injury, the extent to which that injury contributed to his death remains to be established through the examination.
