Large-scale poaching inside Ridiyagama Safari Park is masterminded by its assistant warden, who lays traps for the animals, reports Hiru News.
The offender has been identified as Thushara Damith.
A rare blackbuck has been shot dead, while limbs of dying animals have been cut off by some of the park’s workers.
Safari vehicle drivers named Upul, U.G. Sampath and Gamini transport the carcasses out of the park for sale.
The poaching there first came to light when its chief and veterinarian Priyasad Ediriwarna posted a video on social media.
Dr. Ediriwarna and another veterinarian, Nanda Perera, had been transferred after they opposed killings.
One worker noted the park fully surrounded by a 10-feet high concrete wall cannot be accessed by outsiders.
