Endangered elephants are dying after consuming plastics at a dumpsite in Sri Lanka. As reported by the Associated Press, two more dead elephants have been discovered at the open landfill in eastern Sri Lanka, bringing the total dead to approximately 20. The deadly landfill is located in Pallakkadu village, which is 130 miles outside of the capital city, Colombo.
Wildlife veterinarian Nihal Pushpakumara describes the indigestible items which are being found in the stomachs of the deceased elephants:
Polythene, food wrappers, plastic, other non-digestibles and water were the only things we could see in the post mortems. The normal food that elephants eat and digest was not evident.
According to the news source, the number of endangered elephants in this region has dwindled from 14,000 to just 6,000. Elephants who have lost their natural habitat turn to the landfill area in search of food, with devastating results.
Fencing around the landfill area was damaged back in 2014, but it has never been repaired.
(Images via Pixabay and screenshot from AP video)
Follow the National Animal News Facebook page for more news, updates, and petitions.
My therapist has 4 paws and a tail! Choose your favorite color and style at this link. Your purchase helps the continuation of our site!
My dog is #Essential! Pick your favorite style and color at this link.
© Rescue Writers, 2016, All Rights Reserved
WHY DON’T HUMANS THINK ABOUT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO THEM IF “THEY* ATE PLASTIC?!
WISH THE SELFISH HEARTLESS LUNATICS WOULD LEARN!