Neglected elephant returns home for medical care

An elephant gifted by the Thai royal family to Sri Lanka’s government, has returned to its birthplace. This after animal activists claimed the animal suffered mistreatment at a Buddhist temple where is was part of religious processions. It was gifted Sri Lanka in 2001.

Transporting Muthu Raja

The 29-year-old pachyderm arrived back in Thailand on Sunday on a $540,000 commercial reparation flight. Specifically, a Russian Ilyushin IL-76 cargo plane. The male elephant is know as ‘Muthu Raja’ (Pearly King) in Sri Lanka, and as ‘Sak Surin’ (Mighty Surin) in Thailand.

Muthu Raja was accompanied by a six person team; two veterinarians and four mahouts (elephant trainer/rider) on the six-hour flight.

In ‘pain and covered in abscesses’

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena, has reportedly conveyed his deepest apologies to the Thai king over the elephant’s condition.

The elephant was rescued from the temple after Rally for Animal Rights and Environment (RARE), an animal rights group, petitioned authorities to prosecute those responsible for Muthu Raja’s mistreatment.

Chief Veterinarian at the Dehiwala Zoo, Madusha Perera, reportedly told AFP that the elephant was in ‘pain and covered in abscesses’ when it was rescued from its previous home.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka-based environmentalist, Jagath Gunawardana, says that when a gift is returned, it has the potential to have negative effects on the relationship between both countries.

No more gifting elephants

Elephants are sacred in Sri Lanka. It even has laws to protect them. However, this does not guarantee that animals will be abused: which is a common issue in Thailand.

Officials in Thailand say the main reason for bringing Muthu Raja back is medical care. Government officials will discuss if his return to Sri Lanka is a possibility.

Thailand no longer sends its elephants abroad, and is currently checking on the conditions of those already abroad.

Thai environment minister, Varawut Silpa-archa welcomed Muthu Raja at the airport, “he arrived in Chiang Mai perfectly”. He confirmed that nothing had gone “wrong” and his condition was “normal”.