An emaciated elephant that went viral last month due to her poor health has died, said an Asia-based animal charity on Sept. 24.
But in a Facebook post on Monday, the Save Elephant Foundation wrote that the pachyderm has died.
The operator of the page said that Tikiiri’s “suffering has ended, her soul is now free. No more harm can come to her.”
“Obviously, the animal is severely undernourished. It is close to death,” he told AFP. “This should never have been allowed.”
The organizers of the parade were blasted by users on social media after the photos were published on the Save Elephant Foundation Facebook page. Organizers later withdrew Tikiiri from the festival, according to reports.
“I have been informed that the elephant collapsed yesterday,” Amaratunga said in a statement. He added: “Considering what has transpired, I have ordered officials to initiate an inquiry and ascertain how and why an elephant in such poor health was used in the perehara (pageant) and to take necessary action against those responsible.”
The Save Elephant Foundation was founded by SangdeTaun Lek Chailert, who has advocated for elephant welfare in Asia.
“It is our mission to save the Asian elephant from extinction and give domesticated elephants a life worth living by preserving habitat and increasing public awareness on humane treatment practices,” the foundation said, according to the Mail.