Sri Lanka Investigates Allegations of Cruelty Toward Elephants Gifted by Thailand

Nov 17, 2025 09:53 pm CST

Sri Lanka has launched an investigation into claims of mistreatment of two elephants gifted by Thailand to Buddhist temples. The allegations have sparked diplomatic discussions between the two nations, with Thailand expressing concerns over the animals' welfare. This case highlights broader issues of elephant conservation in Sri Lanka, where human-elephant conflict and illegal trafficking threaten the country's 7,000 wild elephants.