A recent dramatic encounter in the Wilpattu National Park went viral on social media: a brave dog fiercely battling a leopard. Captured on video and shared widely, the footage depicted a struggle for survival, with the predator determined to kill and the courageous canine refusing to surrender.
Dust swirled in the jungle air as snarls, growls, and barks echoed through the trees. Locked in combat, they tumbled across the forest floor before abruptly disengaging and dashing off in opposite directions—the leopard retreating to nurse its wounds, and the dog vanishing into the wilderness.
Yet, the real mystery lay in the identity of this fearless dog, which reminded some of American author Mark Twain’s quote, “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight that counts, but the fight in the dog that wins”.
Before the fight, the tawny canine had been seen walking confidently ahead of a safari jeep, raising questions. Speculation ran rampant online, with accusations that the dog had been smuggled into the Park as bait to provide dramatic footage for tourists. Outrage spread, even reaching international audiences, demanding an investigation.
Strict protocols
Authorities, including the Department of Wildlife, firmly denied these allegations, citing strict protocols against introducing animals into the Park. Investigations by the Department of Wildlife and the Police ensued, leaving local safari drivers—whose livelihoods depended on tourism—grappling with a wave of misplaced blame. For them, and even for park officials, it felt like an unforeseen storm had struck.
The fate of the dog remained unknown. That was until two days later, when it reappeared at a chena (a small agricultural plot) about 20 kilometres from the battle site. The dog’s owner, overjoyed and relieved, tended to its wounds. He confirmed the canine’s identity—this was Tommy, his trusted companion, who had inexplicably ventured deep into the National Park and survived a fight with one of the jungle’s most formidable predators. With this revelation, authorities were quick to dismiss the baiting accusations.
While officials worked to clear the safari drivers’ names, it was wildlife enthusiast and self-taught snake rescuer Sampath Thushara Chandrasiri who took it upon himself to ensure Tommy’s incredible true story reached a wider audience. Through his YouTube channel, Sampath chronicled the dog’s journey, riding his motorcycle to Wilpattu to meet Tommy’s owner and the chena where the dog stood guard over crops, keeping watch for elephants, wild boars, and other nocturnal intruders.
Diverse fauna
A graduate in Economics from Rajarata University, Sampath (40), a father of three, had cleared for himself an unconventional path, driven by a deep-seated passion for wildlife conservation.
His journey into animal rescue was inspired by a childhood filled with interactions with Sri Lanka’s diverse fauna. As a boy, he kept garden lizards, rat snakes, and even tarantulas as pets. At just eight-years-old, he gifted a tarantula to a friend for a birthday present—an experience that ended painfully when both were bitten.
One pivotal moment shaped his future: at sixteen, he was attempting to safely remove a cobra from his home when his elder brother killed the snake just as it was about to escape into the bushes. The incident left Sampath devastated and sparked a lifelong mission to protect and educate others about Sri Lanka’s wildlife.
Years later, when his wife’s family encountered a cobra in their home, Sampath successfully relocated it unharmed. This led to neighbours seeking his help with similar situations, and soon, he became the go-to-expert for snake rescues in his community. In the North Central Province, where human-wildlife encounters are common due to shrinking dry forests, his expertise was in high demand.
Sampath said that he feels his empathy for the animals he handles is being reciprocated pointing out that Tommy was said to be unapproachable by any other than close family members of the owner.
Sampath combined his love for animals with his passion for photography, launching ‘Snakes Guardian,’ a YouTube channel documenting his rescues and educating the public on snake safety. His work expanded beyond social media—soon, he was receiving calls from expatriates monitoring their empty homes through security cameras, seeking help when snakes slithered inside.
Spiritual traditions
For some, his services went beyond simple animal removal. Many believed in spiritual traditions that associated certain animals with reincarnated souls, seeking Sampath’s assistance in releasing them to bring peace to their departed loved ones. This led him to another initiative—purchasing cattle and gifting them to underprivileged rural families as part of a compassionate cycle of giving.
Since his first such endeavour two years ago, he has facilitated over 50 similar donations. These presentations, held on full-moon Poya days, are recorded and shared with donors. While Sampath’s efforts remain largely voluntary, donations help cover his expenses.
His work has gained recognition beyond his community. Schools, private organisations, and conservation groups invite him to share his knowledge. Alongside his wife Deepa and their children—Damsak (13), Samadhi (8), and Dahamsith (5)—Sampath travels across Sri Lanka, teaching people how to handle wildlife safely. While the children assist in caring for injured animals, they are not allowed to handle venomous snakes.
Sampath himself has been bitten twice while handling poisonous snakes, including a cobra, but suffered no severe reactions. His dedication has taken him to various parts of the country, including Ibbagamuwa, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Kandana, and Mannar, with an upcoming event planned in Negombo for 200 attendees.
With each event, Sampath prioritises safety and strictly adheres to wildlife transport and other regulations. Captive animals are never kept longer than necessary and are always released back into the wild.
Despite his success, Sampath faces logistical challenges. Currently, he relies on hired transport to move animals safely. His dream is to own a dedicated vehicle equipped to handle wildlife rescues more efficiently. While hosts cover his travel expenses, additional support would allow him to expand his outreach.
Through his unwavering passion and dedication, Sampath Thushara Chandrasiri continues to bridge the gap between humans and wildlife, inspiring a new generation to coexist with nature rather than fear it.
