A BABY pachyderm, stuck in the mud at Uraniya lagoon, close to Komari, Pottuvil had the rare chance of surviving, thanks to the timely intervention of 16 Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) soldiers who were serving the area.
Soldiers in the area after they were alerted by two fishermen to the effect that this tiny pachyderm, perhaps having lost its way in the jungles has finally either fallen into the lagoon by accident or gone for drinking water as the dusk was falling fast. However, all its attempts to get out of the mud after the mishap failed. Instead, it went on further submerging as the muddy waters were not giving in.
Those two fishermen in close proximity after spotting the pachyderm’s desperate bid had immediately run to the soldiers serving, close to the location. Soldiers rushed to the venue. With the help of those two fishermen, U. Rajendram and S. Subramaniam, troops jumped into action and rescued the baby elephant and finally brought it to the Uraniya Army Camp for care.
The pachyderm who was given a fresh bath afterwards received a bellyful of milk, food and water from soldiers in the camp as it drew warmth and love. Later on, the Army contacted the Ampara Wildlife Department officials and handed it over to them for onward arrangements.
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