A ailing elephant, which Thailand had gifted to Sri Lanka over 20 years ago, has been repatriated to its native land for urgent medical care.
The decision comes in the wake of disturbing allegations that the majestic creature had suffered extensive abuse during its time at a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
Muthu Raja, the male elephant, commonly referred to as Pearly King in Sri Lanka and Mighty Surin in Thailand, was transported from the capital of Sri Lanka to Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand.
The journey took place via a Russian Ilyushin IL-76 cargo plane, ensuring a direct and swift transfer for the ailing elephant.
On the six-hour flight, the elephant was accompanied by a dedicated team of six individuals. This team consisted of two veterinarians and four mahouts, who are experienced elephant trainers.
Their expertise and presence ensured the elephant’s safety, comfort, and immediate medical attention throughout the journey.
Prior to the journey, a special container was created to safely accommodate the 9-foot-tall, 4-ton elephant.
Additionally, a group of mahouts had traveled to Sri Lanka in advance to familiarize the elephant with being confined in a cage, ensuring that he would remain calm and avoid panic during his transportation back to Thailand.
Video footage captured upon the elephant’s arrival in Chiang Mai depicted him in a conscious and composed state, displaying a sense of tranquility despite the arduous journey.
Thai Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa was present at the airport during the elephant’s arrival and expressed satisfaction with the animal’s condition.
He had previously stated that the repatriation process cost Thailand a minimum of 19 million baht ($540,000).
Amidst the transportation preparations, the elephant’s resounding trumpets could be heard emanating from the container.
Subsequently, the container was carefully loaded onto a flatbed trailer attached to a truck, which would transport the elephant to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang province.
In Lampang, the elephant will undergo an initial quarantine period of at least 30 days and receive necessary rehabilitation.
In 2001, when the elephant was approximately 10 years old, he was sent to Sri Lanka as a gift from the Thai royal family.
Thailand had bestowed three elephants upon the Sri Lankan government, with the intention of training them to carry religious relics.
Muthu Raja, previously known as Sak Surin, was entrusted to the care of a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
In 2020, the Rally for Animal Rights and Environment group, an animal rights organization based in Sri Lanka, raised concerns about the elephant’s deteriorating health, attributing it to years of strenuous labor and mistreatment.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the group initiated a petition advocating for the elephant’s rescue. Eventually, they called for his repatriation to Thailand when their complaints seemingly went unanswered by the Sri Lankan government.
In November 2022, Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement declaring that a preliminary investigation conducted by the Thai Embassy in Sri Lanka revealed that the elephant was residing in unfavorable conditions and experiencing poor health.
Consequently, Thailand expressed its intent to seek approval from Sri Lanka to bring the elephant back to Thailand for the necessary medical treatment.
Reports indicated that the elephant was notably underweight, exhibiting rough skin, abscesses on both hips, thinning foot pads, and difficulty walking and standing due to a stiff left foreleg.
These observations further emphasized the need for immediate intervention and medical attention to address the elephant’s deteriorating condition.
Following his departure from the Buddhist temple, the elephant was relocated to Sri Lanka’s National Zoological Garden for initial medical treatment.
It was reported that during this period, the elephant showed signs of improvement and appeared to be in better health before being transported to Thailand.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena shared his regret regarding the elephant’s mistreatment during a visit to Thailand in May.
He expressed his concerns to his Thai counterpart over the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the elephant and the necessity for his repatriation to Thailand for proper care and rehabilitation.
The Sri Lankan government’s acknowledgement of the situation further emphasizes the significance of addressing the elephant’s well-being and ensuring appropriate action is taken.
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After leaving the Buddhist temple, the elephant was transferred to Sri Lanka’s National Zoological Garden, where he received preliminary medical treatment.
Reports indicated that during this period, the elephant showed signs of improvement and presented a healthier condition before his journey back to Thailand.
During a visit to Thailand in May, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena expressed remorse to his Thai counterpart regarding the mistreatment of the elephant.
He conveyed his concerns and regret over the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the animal and emphasized the necessity of repatriating the elephant to Thailand for proper care and rehabilitation.
The acknowledgment from the Sri Lankan government underscores the importance of addressing the elephant’s well-being and taking appropriate measures to ensure his recovery.