Asokamala wins round one

Wasantha Ramanayake

The Supreme Court yesterday restrained the Director of Wildlife from deporting ‘Asokamala’, a female elephant to a zoo in Armenia until November 21.

The order was sequel to an application by wildlife activists who complained to Court that notoriously poor conditions at the Yerevan Zoo in Armenia where an elephant had earlier died of malnutrition and cold would in no way be congenial for the tropical animal.

The Court noted that a further extension of the interim order would be considered on November 20. The Bench comprised Justice Dr. (Mrs.) Shirani Thilakawardane and Justice Nimal Dissanayake.

Petitioner Vijitha Fernando of Mt. Lavinia, the Treasurer of the Organisation, Society for the Protection of Animal Rights complained that elephants were culturally revered and protected by the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

Counsel Harsha Amarasekera for the petitioner submitted that Armenia has a prolonged cold weather period where the temperatures drop below zero. The under-funded zoo lacked power needed to heat and food during the longer wintry weather. It was also reported that the indoor enclosure for the elephant which was around 300 sq ft was grossly inadequate.

The Counsel submitted that India had revoked its decision to gift an elephant “Veda” to Armenia following public outcry against the decision. The Indian Government then passed legislation to stop the export of animals as diplomatic gifts.

Deputy Solicitor General Bimba Thilakrathne Jayasinghe also made submissions on behalf of the respondents.

The petitioner cited the Director, Wildlife Conservation, the Environment Minister, the Secretary to the Ministry and several others as respondents.