Walagamba was the dominant bull of the Kalawewa herd, a herd known for its many tuskers. The writer of a 2014 tribute first saw him at Kalawewa in August 2011 and estimated his shoulder height at 10.5 to 11 feet, describing him as calm and confident rather than aggressive. By early 2014 he had not been seen at Kalawewa for two years, and there were unconfirmed rumours that he was badly injured.