The male elephant, known in Sri Lanka as Muthu Raja, or Pearly King, and as Sak Surin, or Mighty Surin, in Thailand, was flown directly from the South Asian island nation’s capital to Chiang Mai ...

Thai authorities had gifted the 29-year-old Muthu Raja — also known back in its birthplace as Sak Surin — to Sri Lanka in 2001. But they demanded the elephant back last year after allegations ...

Muthu Raja was in pain and covered in abscesses when removed from the temple last November A Thai elephant given to Sri Lanka in 2001 has returned to its birthplace after a diplomatic row over its ...

The male elephant, known in Sri Lanka as Muthu Raja, or Pearly King, and as Sak Surin, or Mighty Surin, in Thailand, was flown directly from the South Asian island nation's capital of Colombo to ...

Asian elephant Sak Surin, gifted by the Thai Royal family and named Muthu Raja or pearly king in Sri Lanka, stands by a water pond at the national zoological garden in Colombo, Sri Lanka ...

Wildlife Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said Thailand had been “adamant” in its demands for the elephant’s return after its ambassador to Colombo visited Muthu Raja at the temple last year ...

An elephant named Muthu Raja will return home to Thailand after allegations the animal was neglected while housed at a temple in Sri Lanka. Photo: AFP An ailing Thai elephant is being prepared for an ...

Due to a lack of vocational education in taking care of elephants Muthu Raja ... Thera thanked the Thai government and the people who participated in sending back the elephant.

A Thai elephant given to Sri Lanka in 2001 has returned to its birthplace after a diplomatic row over its alleged abuse. The 29-year-old Muthu Raja arrived in Thailand on Sunday on a 19 million ...

The Thai royal family gave the elephant as a gift in 2001 to Sri Lanka’s government, which in turn gifted it to the temple where it was named Muthu Raja and given honored roles in religious ...