Sri Lanka Loses Three Wild Elephants Days After Six Released to Jungle

Sri Lanka recently released six young elephants back into the wild at Udawalawe National Park after being rehabilitated at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, marking the 26th such release overseen by environment officials to support elephant conservation. Despite these efforts, at least three wild elephants were found dead recently, highlighting ongoing challenges for conservation in the region. Sri Lanka's Ministry of Environment plans to conduct a fresh study on elephant corridors, acknowledging that development and environmental changes have altered elephant migration routes, and has initiated the removal of barriers from key corridors to facilitate safer passage. Meanwhile, in neighboring Rwanda, the government is considering reintroducing elephants into Nyungwe National Park to enhance biodiversity and tourism, aiming to create a more comprehensive wildlife destination while carefully assessing ecological impacts to ensure habitat suitability and species balance. These regional efforts underscore the complex balance between conservation, habitat management, and human development pressures on elephant populations.