Yala National Park in eastern Sri Lanka is recovering steadily following the 26 December tsunamis, with visitor numbers climbing back toward pre-disaster levels and wildlife reappearing across the affected areas. Park warden W. Weregama said the sanctuary was closed for only four days after the disaster.
Natural sand dunes along the coast shielded most of the park from severe damage, and animals appeared to sense the approaching waves in time to flee. Only about one percent of the park sustained significant impact. At least 42 people died within the park's boundaries, among them four staff members and a group of Japanese tourists caught near a lagoon.
Elephants have been drawn back to tsunami-struck zones by fresh acacia growth, and safari guides report sightings of buffalo, deer, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys, and numerous bird species. One conspicuous absence persists: butterflies, thought to have retreated deeper into the park after coastal water turned brackish.
British visitors Nigel and Shirley Scott of Shepperton pressed ahead with long-planned safari trips, and their guide, Vicky Wickremaseka, described steering a jeep to safety just as the waves arrived on 26 December. He later helped rescue four survivors from the Japanese group. Shirley Scott noted the park felt more peaceful with reduced crowds.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in January 2005, in its own words.