Elephant repatriated to Thailand after Sri Lanka-Thailand diplomatic row erupts

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Sri Lanka was forced to repatriate the Thailand-born elephant to its birthplace.Muthu Rajen landed in Thailand on a special reparation flight, for which a whopping amount of USD 4,25,000 was spent. He was airlifted in a specially-made steel cage to Chiang Mai. Four Thai handlers and one zoo keeper accompanied Muthu on his flight to his birthplace. The Thai Royal family gifted three elephants, including Muthu Rajen to Sri Lanka in 2001. They were to be trained so that they could help perform Buddhist religious rituals. But the animal rights groups allege that the elephant was forced to carry heavy logs in the temple. It developed a stuffed leg. Sri Lanka-based Rally for Animal Rights and Environment raised the issue of neglect and bad treatment to Muthu Rajen with the Thai authorities and asked them to take the elephant back to save it. When the Thai ambassador visited Muthu at the temple, he was in pain and covered in abscesses. At the request of the envoy, Muthu was shifted to Sri Lanka National Park. Talking to the journalists, Sri Lanka wildlife minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said that the Thai authorities were adamant about taking Muthu Rajen back due to the harsh treatment it received. Ultimately, the elephant returned to its birthplace.

Q1:How did Muthu Rajen reach Sri Lanka? Thai Royal family gifted three elephants, including Muthu Rajen, to Sri Lanka to be trained to help in Buddhist religious rituals.Q2:How much did it cost to repatriate Muthu Rajen? It cost USD 4,25,000 to repatriate Muthu Rajen from Sri Lanka to Thailand.