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In 2019, disturbing images of an emaciated 70-year-old elephant named Tikiri sparked global outrage. Forced to march in Sri Lanka\u2019s 10-day Perahera Festival despite her failing health, Tikiri wore a costume to hide her protruding bones and walked long distances each night alongside performers.<\/p>\n
Shared by Save the Elephant Foundation for World Elephant Day, the images went viral and fueled a petition signed by over 100,000 people demanding an end to such cruelty. The petition described her pain: \u201cNo one sees the tears in her eyes\u2026 her legs are short shackled.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the backlash, Tikiri was returned to her owner but never recovered. She died in September 2019. Her life was described as one of \u201cslavery,\u201d and her death brought sorrow and a renewed call for better treatment of captive elephants.<\/p>\n
\u201cTikiri\u2019s suffering has ended, her soul is now free,\u201d the Foundation wrote. \u201cRIP dear Tikiri.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In 2019, disturbing images of an emaciated 70-year-old elephant named Tikiri sparked global outrage. Forced to march in Sri Lanka\u2019s 10-day Perahera Festival despite her failing health, Tikiri wore a costume to hide her protruding bones and walked long distances each night alongside performers. Shared by Save the Elephant Foundation for World Elephant Day, the…<\/p>\n