Who are Gajabahu and Agbo

Who are Gajabahu and Agbo

Let's properly identify these two amazing elephants who even deceive experienced wildlife photographers with their close resemblance.

"Agbo" and "Gajabahu" are so alike that it's difficult to distinguish between the two. Their physical features are almost identical, and if you saw them together, you'd think they were elephant brothers born to the same mother.

However, their habitats and roaming areas are different. Let's explore a little about these two."

Tusker "Agbo" T- 096

When comparing Agbo and Gajabahu, the features that distinguish Agbo are: a broader forehead where the tusks diverge, a slight hump on his back, numerous bullet-like marks on his body, a spread-out dewlap and ear flaps, and a relatively flat "moolliy" (a specific marking on the forehead that resembles the number 3).

Before falling ill, Agbo's roaming area was mainly in the Thirappane, Mahakanadarawa, and Horowpatana regions. He was a powerful and very handsome tusker, though he could also be quite aggressive. Now, his range is limited to the Thirappane area.

ID - T232 

Name - Gajabahu 

First Recorded Year 2021 (Padaviya/Wahalkada/Kabithigollewa) 

First recorded and named by Priyanjana Dilmith Wild Photography

Gajabahu can be distinguished from Agbo by his relatively slender forehead compared to the broader forehead where Agbo's tusks diverge. Gajabahu is slightly taller and longer than Agbo. His ear flaps and dewlap have a clear, uniform pattern. Unlike Agbo, Gajabahu doesn't have a hump on his back but a longer spine. His skin is slightly darker than Agbo's. Additionally, Gajabahu doesn't have the bullet-like marks found on Agbo's body and exudes a strong, sturdy demeanor when walking. Gajabahu's roaming area is around the forests of Padaviya, Wahalkada, and Kabithigollewa.

You've outlined some striking similarities between Agbo and Gajabahu

• 90% similarity: This suggests a very high degree of resemblance between the two elephants.
• Tusks: The position, size, and shape of their tusks are nearly identical.
• Ears: The way their ears are folded is quite similar.
• Forehead: The length of their foreheads and the position of their temples are almost the same.
• Body: Their overall height and weight are very similar.

Tusker Chandi

Three months have passed since our dear Chandi left us.

On the 5th of July, exactly three months ago today, Chandi, the legendary elephant of Galgamuwa, passed away after being injured in a battle with another elephant. On that day, another bitter day in our lives, Chandi was found dead in his usual watering hole.

It is strongly suspected that a wild elephant, possibly a tusker, had attacked him. The elephant’s sharp tusks had pierced Chandi’s heart, neck, kidneys, and many other parts of his body. In the end, he passed away lying in the very watering hole he loved most and spent most of his life in.

Chandi, you were a legend. A great hero who fought for his homeland. Even after being captured twice and taken to Horowpatana prison, you returned to Galgamuwa. You never abandoned your homeland and breathed your last breath in your homeland. You were a true hero of Galgamuwa. We will always remember what we did for you, how we fought to protect you. Although we protected you from humans, we couldn’t overcome nature. You passed away with dignity, subject to the laws of the wild.

Dear Chandi, farewell, my friend

Tusker Miyan Kumara

Miyan Kumara was a male Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) who gained significant recognition in Sri Lanka for his role in various religious ceremonies and public events. He was particularly associated with the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya temple in Colombo.

Early Life and Relocation

• Birth and Early Years: Born in captivity in 1971, Miyan Kumara spent his early years in Myanmar.
• Relocation to Sri Lanka: In the early 2000s, he was relocated to Sri Lanka and became a part of the temple's elephant herd.

Notable Events and Controversies

• Religious Ceremonies: Miyan Kumara was a prominent figure in numerous religious ceremonies, including the annual Bellanwila Esala Perahera. His presence added a sense of grandeur and tradition to these events.
• Public Appearances: He also participated in various public events, such as parades and festivals.
• Health Concerns and Controversies: Despite his popularity, Miyan Kumara faced health challenges due to his captivity and the demanding nature of his role. His treatment and living conditions were subject to public scrutiny and debate.

Tragic Incident and Legacy

• Mahout's Death: In 2018, a tragic incident occurred when Miyan Kumara attacked his mahout (elephant handler), resulting in the mahout's death. This incident sparked further discussions about elephant welfare and the risks associated with captive elephants.
• Legacy: Miyan Kumara's legacy is complex. While he was undoubtedly a beloved figure in Sri Lanka, his life also highlighted the challenges faced by captive elephants and the need for improved welfare standards.

Additional Information:

• Captivity: Miyan Kumara spent most of his life in captivity, which raised concerns about his well-being and the ethical implications of keeping elephants in such environments.
• Conservation Efforts: His story has contributed to a growing awareness of the importance of elephant conservation in Sri Lanka. Efforts are being made to protect wild elephant populations and improve the conditions of captive elephants.

A Life in the City

Miyan Kumara's life was far from ordinary. He spent his days parading through the streets, giving rides to tourists, and performing in various events. His gentle nature and intelligence made him a popular attraction, and he became a familiar sight to many Sri Lankans.

Despite his fame and popularity, Miyan Kumara's life was not without its challenges. The urban environment was not ideal for an elephant, and he faced health issues related to stress and confinement. However, thanks to the efforts of animal welfare organizations and concerned individuals, he received the necessary care and attention.

Controversy and Conservation

Miyan Kumara's life was also marked by controversy. Many animal rights activists raised concerns about his well-being and argued that elephants should not be kept in captivity. Protests and campaigns were launched to demand his release and relocation to a more suitable habitat.

In response to the growing public pressure, the Sri Lankan government took steps to improve Miyan Kumara's living conditions. He was eventually moved to a wildlife sanctuary, where he could enjoy more natural surroundings and freedom. However, his health continued to deteriorate, and he passed away peacefully in 2019.

A Lasting Legacy

Miyan Kumara's legacy lives on in the hearts of many Sri Lankans. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the need to protect these magnificent creatures. His passing also sparked a renewed focus on elephant conservation efforts in Sri Lanka.

Today, the country is working to improve the welfare of its captive elephant population and promote responsible tourism practices. Miyan Kumara's memory continues to inspire and motivate those who are committed to protecting these gentle giants.

Happy World Children's Day to all the babies!

 

Today is a day dedicated to all of us. "The best things for children." Therefore, adults dedicate this day to children, for their happiness. Like human mothers and fathers, animal mothers and fathers also love, care, compassion, and affection for their young ones, putting their own lives second.

We love animal babies as much as our own babies. We let them live their childhood freely and happily, playing without knowing six or four. If we can't do that, let's at least let them live their lives in peace.

We will always be there for them...

Happy World Children's Day to all the babies!

Manika

 

Manika: A Beloved Elephant

Manika, a female elephant once associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), is now a cherished resident of the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka. Known for her affectionate nature, she is one of the orphanage's most beloved inhabitants.

Prior to her arrival at Pinnawela, Manika spent time at the Dehiwala National Zoological Park and the 514 Army Camp in Jaffna. During her time in the army camp, she was found in a children's park that had been under the control of the LTTE.

Manika's journey to Pinnawela was marked by resilience and adaptability. Despite her challenging past, she has thrived in her new environment. Her playful nature and strong bond with humans have made her a favorite among visitors and staff alike.

While Manika has resisted breeding efforts due to her unique physical characteristics, her presence at Pinnawela is invaluable. She serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the protection of these majestic creatures.

Elephants and Their Burial Rituals

Ancient tales have long spoken of the peculiar and fascinating stories surrounding elephants. Among these tales, today we delve into a specific ritual associated with elephants: their unique death ceremonies.

According to ancient elephant lore, elephants exhibit a remarkable behavior when a member of their herd passes away. They are said to circle the deceased, touching the body, and even assisting in covering the body with leaves and branches.

Some Asian elephants follow a different practice when burying their young. They are known to carry their deceased calves to small pits in the earth. African elephants, on the other hand, have been observed returning to the burial sites of their fallen comrades.

A 1977 study in the Journal of Drug Issues revealed that elephants face the moon, raise branches, and walk in circles around it. This finding aligns with ancient records, including those of the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder.

It is believed that elephants journey to rivers to perform purification rituals. They are said to splash water and pay homage to the moon.

Undoubtedly, elephants exhibit a unique set of behaviors. The animal kingdom is filled with mysteries that surpass our understanding.

The actions of elephants cannot be taken lightly. There may be hidden meanings within these behaviors. By understanding these different behavioral patterns, we may be able to uncover many predictions.

Tusker Baddia

 After 5 years, "Baddia" came out.

Baddia elephant is another unique elephant living in this country and this elephant was last observed in the year 2018 

(no information reports that the elephant was observed in 2018 and after 2018.)

Baddiya, who had been missing for almost 5 years, surprised everyone and you have come back to observe us all. Since almost 5 years have passed since Baddiya's disappearance, many believed that he was dead and that the missing Gaja Niridu had found a companion again.

Dear Baddiya, we are lucky to see you safe again like this.

Long live the king of elephants.