Emaciated Sri Lankan elephant dies

Tikiri, a 70-year-old elephant, stands looking rather emaciated on August 14, 2019, at the Temple of the Tooth in the central Sri Lankan city of Kandy, where she was brought to march in an annual Buddhist pageant. /VCG Photo

Tikiri eats at the Temple of the Tooth on August 13, 2019, in the central city of Kandy, where she was brought to march in an annual Buddhist pageant. /VCG Photo

A 70-year-old Sri Lankan elephant named Tikiri, whose emaciated state prompted an outcry in August after she was made to march in a Buddhist parade and collapsed, has died.

Last month's incident sparked an investigation by wildlife authorities.

Tikiri did not appear to be healthy enough to take part in a parade. /VCG Photo

Tikiri came to international attention in terrible circumstances as her skeletal appearance led to global anguish. She was used in a parade for 10 days each year at the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, central Sri Lanka. After the outrage sparked by her appearance, the festival organizers decided to withdraw her from this year's closing parade.

Though Tikiri was returned to her owner and given medical care, her condition did not improve.

Tikiri pictured on August 13, 2019. /VCG Photo

The Thai-based Save Elephant Foundation (SEF) shared Tikiri's pictures last month to raise awareness of the exploitation of elephants in captivity. The SEF founder posted the news of Tikiri's death on Facebook on Tuesday.

She wrote: "Tikiri's suffering has ended, her soul is now free. No more harm can come to her.

"RIP dear Tikiri. Never look back to this world so cruel toward you and your friends."

Tikiri was among 60 elephants who march at the Perahera festival in Kandy every year. Ornately decorated elephants are a major attraction in Sri Lankan Buddhist pageants. Some animal rights activists and organizations claim that the performance elephants are not treated properly.