Sri Lankan Tuskers and Elephants : Namal

Namal..

Namal is one of the special character in Sri Lanka who is in the shadow of the interim. He becomes special not because he has no foot, but because he won life without a foot.

1. The meeting

2012 at Ampara forest

September month of 2012

Ampara, Galoya area near a reserve

A baby boy 6-8 months old when met

The villagers are hearing about a baby elephant lying alone in the jungle. Wildlife officers go and see a toddler whining in pain, unable to stand. His left back foot was caught in a bore shot (alcohol) that had people attached, completely crushed, worms and rotten.

He would die in a few hours if he was there.

2. The fight to save life

Wildlife veterinary officers immediately bring Namal from Ampara to the intershadow.

Even after being treated for days, the seeds, meat, veins were all destroyed in the lower leg so it is unable to save. Finally the vets decide the lower knee of the foot needs to be removed to save lives.

That surgery is going to be a success. Namal survives life, but forever without a foot.

3. Story of artificial foot - First time in Sri Lanka

It's hard to live for an elephant who usually has no foot. Body weight causes excessive pressure on the other feet, spine becomes name.

So in 2016, the Department of Wildlife, the faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Army Engineers of Peradeniya University are joining together to build an artificial foot for an elephant for the first time in the history of Sri Lanka.

- The original base is made of fiber and iron, with a rubber bottom.

- Namal is scared at the beginning. Not going to post at all. Putting only half an hour a day.

- 3-4 months and she gets used to it. Walking it on, starting to run.

4. How is Namal now?

Namal is now a fully grown up. Going to be about 13 years old. Weighing more than 2000 kg.

Growing up artificial foot has tried to fit his weight and height 3 times. Now there is the third leg.

He's still upstairs in the shadow, hanging with other baby elephants. Can't heal completely so can't send back to the jungle. But he looks like a king there.