Russian cargo flight with 'Muthuraja' tusker en route to Thailand

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Thai tusker gifted to Sri Lanka two decades ago was flown back to its birth country on Sunday (02).

Thai authorities had gifted the 29-year-old Muthu Raja, also known back in its birthplace as Sak Surin, to Sri Lanka in 2001.

However, last year, Thai officials demanded Muthu Raja's return after receiving reports of the tusker's deteriorating health conditions.

The 4,000 kg tusker departed from the Bandaranaike International Airport via a Russian cargo flight on Sunday (02) morning.

A team of veterinarians and mahouts were also sent to Sri Lanka from Thailand to prepare the tuskers's health for the eight-hour trip.

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