A leopard trapped in a wire snare at Stoneycliff Estate in Kotagala has been successfully rescued and is receiving veterinary care at the Randenigala Wildlife Office, according to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
A leopard caught in a wire snare at Stoneycliff Estate in the Kotagala area has been rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment at the Randenigala Wildlife Office. The rescue operation involved coordinated efforts from wildlife officials and veterinary professionals who responded to the incident.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa announced the successful rescue through social media, crediting veterinary surgeons Ganga and Nihal, along with a team member named Akalanka, for personally visiting the site to assess and treat the injured animal. Premadasa indicated that he personally participated in facilitating the rescue effort, working late into the night and early morning hours to ensure the leopard's safe extraction from the snare.
Premadasa expressed appreciation for the Wildlife Department team and others involved in the operation, including individuals named Harsha Maduranga and Sashika, noting their efforts were maintained despite an ongoing industrial action affecting some services. He also highlighted the contributions of Nuwan and Bandara in reporting the incident.
Taking the opportunity to advocate for veterinary professionals, Premadasa stated that the recognition and rewards offered to veterinarians should reflect the critical role they play in wildlife conservation and rescue operations. The leopard's current condition has been described as positive, though ongoing treatment continues at the wildlife facility.
