Sri Lanka, March 8 -- A female wild elephant found collapsed in a maize plantation in Girandurukotte suffered severe mouth injuries after consuming a "Hakka Patas" explosive bait.

Farm employees alerted the wildlife officers of the Mahiyangana Elephant Control Unit regarding the animal's condition.

Wildlife officers inspected the elephant under the direction of Wildlife Range Officer Manjula Pradeep and subsequently informed Wildlife Veterinarian Akalanka Pinidiya of the Central Zone.

A medical team led by the veterinarian, along with officers from the Mahiyangana Elephant Control Unit, commenced treatment for the elephant, which remains in critical condition.

The elephant is approximately 16 years old and stands six and a half feet t...