In 2019, heartbreaking images of Tikiiri, a 70-year-old emaciated elephant forced to walk in a 10-day parade in Sri Lanka, sparked global outrage. Photos showed her frail body hidden under a costume during a Buddhist festival, where she walked miles every night despite poor health.
Tikiiri was one of 60 elephants participating in the event, enduring loud music, fireworks, and tight shackles. Her suffering went viral, prompting over 100,000 people to sign a petition demanding change and calling out the cruelty of using animals in festivals.
Though public pressure led to her release from the parade, Tikiiri never recovered and died in September 2019. Her life, described as one of “slavery,” highlighted the inhumane treatment many elephants still face.