From Wildlife Medicine to Ethical Conservation.
Venerable Panadure Vimukthirathana Thissa
(formerly Dr. B. Vijitha Perera)
A wildlife veterinarian whose 26-year field career helped shape modern conservation practice - and whose later transition to monastic life seeks to sustain the human spirit behind conservation.
Wild Encounters
A legacy built on decades of hands-on veterinary service in Sri Lanka's deepest jungles.
A Career Forged in the Field
After graduating as a veterinary surgeon, Dr. Perera began his conservation journey by working directly with rural and estate communities affected by resource conflict. This early experience shaped a human-centered understanding of conservation - recognizing that wildlife protection must also address the realities faced by people sharing the same landscapes.
EARLY CAREER / COMMUNITY WORK
On the Front Lines of Human–Elephant Conflict
Working in a country with the highest density of free-ranging Asian elephants - most living outside protected areas - Dr. Perera became one of the world’s most experienced wildlife veterinarians responding to human–elephant conflict.
"ELEPHANT MEDICAL / TRANSLOCATION"
Rehabilitation with Ethics and Transparency
As a key figure at the Elephant Transit Home, Dr. Perera helped establish a globally recognized ethical rehabilitation model for orphaned elephant calves. Under this approach, more than 300 calves were rehabilitated, with 173 successfully released back into the wild through a carefully monitored, non-imprinting system.
"ORPHAN ELEPHANT CALVES"
Across Species and Ecosystems
While elephants defined much of his work, Dr. Perera’s conservation impact extended across Sri Lanka’s full spectrum of wildlife. He led rescues, translocations, rehabilitation, and disease surveillance involving leopards, sloth bears, pangolins, primates, reptiles, birds, marine turtles, and large marine mammals including blue whales.
Science Guided by Ethics, Education, and Mentorship
Dr. Perera’s conservation practice was grounded in rigorous academic training and sustained international scientific collaboration. He received his foundational veterinary education in Sri Lanka and later pursued advanced postgraduate training in Biodiversity Conservation Medicine in Sri Lanka, as well as a Diploma in Endangered Species Management at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Academy in the United Kingdom.
"ACADEMIC / TEACHING"
International Engagements, Institutional Leadership, and Capacity Building
Throughout his career, Dr. Perera maintained active engagement with the global conservation and wildlife health community. He participated in more than 50 international conferences, symposia, and specialist meetings across Asia, Europe, and North America, sharing field-based evidence from Sri Lanka’s human–wildlife conflict landscapes.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Dr. Perera’s contributions have been recognized through multiple national and international honours, reflecting both scientific excellence and long-term public service under demanding conditions. Notable recognitions include the Global Animal Welfare Award (2022) from the World Veterinary Association, acknowledging outstanding global leadership in animal welfare.
"AWARDS / FORMAL RECOGNITION"
From Field Veterinarian to Monk
After decades of frontline conservation - including work in active conflict zones - Dr. Perera made a deliberate transition into monastic life, with the full support of his family. As Venerable Panadure Vimukthirathana Thissa, this step marked not an end, but a transformation in how conservation service is offered.
The Noble Conservation Center
The Noble Conservation Center was founded to address a global challenge often left unspoken: conservationist burnout, ethical strain, and mental fatigue.
"REFLECTION / TEACHING SPACE"
Closing Reflection
Living a life of simplicity and reflection, the founder continues to serve conservation through teaching, writing, and sharing lived experience - reminding us that lasting protection of nature begins with a calm, attentive, and ethical human mind.
"ELEPHANT MEDICAL / TRANSLOCATION"
Be Part of the Story
The journey continues. Join us in our mission to conserve wildlife through compassion and science.