Sri Lanka, Jan. 2 -- Officials from the Piburaththawa Wildlife Office reported that a wild elephant died after drowning in the Z-D Canal in the Mahadamana area of Piburaththawa Ellewewa.

An official from the office stated that the elephant fell into the canal near the Aluth Oya bridge on Wednesday (31) and was seen floating towards Bamunukotuwa before disappearing shortly after. Wildlife officers and villagers attempted to rescue the elephant, which was approximately 25 years old and stood about 7 feet tall, but were unable to get it out of the water.

A wildlife officer involved in the rescue operation said the effort failed because the elephant had an injury to its head and lacked the strength to climb out of the canal.

Wildlife offic...