This is Namal, a 4 year old elephant calf found in the Ampara Jungles in 2012, when he was just 1 year old. Wildlife officials found him exhausted and dying after being caught in a hunter’s snare and transported him to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. His back leg was then amputated by skilled veterinarian Dr. Vijitha and he has been living in the transit home since. Named after “Namal Uyana”, the area he was found, Namal is a fun loving elephant who enjoys being around people.

He has now completed 04 years and his spine is getting weaker as he does not have the support required from his left back leg to carry his increasing body weight. Today, with the assistance and support of several key personnel, including those trained in Australia; a prosthetic leg will be manufactured and fitted for a back leg of an elephant for the first time in recorded history. Currently there are 2 elephants in the world, one in Cambodia and one in Thailand with prosthetics on front legs. Namal will be the first known instance where an elephant would receive a prosthetic back leg.

At Mercantile Investments and Finance PLC, we believe in the power of Corporate Social Responsibility and immediately presented itself where corporate sponsorship was required to fund the cost of the prosthetics. The funds would be utilized to help this playful giant walk with ease and enjoy at least the wilderness of the transit boundaries. However, sponsorships are required bi-annually to fund new prosthetic legs as Namal is continuously growing and need to be provided with sturdy support throughout his life.

As a responsible corporate citizen, Mercantile Investments and Finance PLC is proud to be a benefactor for Namal; the little elephant who is starting to build trust in humans once again and we hope to see concerned individuals and other corporates offering financial support to fund this worthy cause.

Dhanushka Fonseka Director credit and Marketing of Mercantile Investments presenting the cheque to Chathuranga of Exceed Prosthetics

Orthotics while Dr Vijitha Perera of Elephant transit home of Udawalawe looking on