An elephant, forced to work in extreme heat, has collapsed and died in Sri Lanka. According to the organization, Moving Animals, the 18-year-old elephant, who was forced to give rides to tourists on the Sigiriya tourist trail, collapsed and later died after giving back-to-back rides.
The elephant, named Kanakota, was one of two captive elephants who was threatened by sharp bullhooks, and confined by heavy chains. In a release, the organization writes:
Kanakota was just 18-years-old when he collapsed from exhaustion, after after giving back-to-back tourist rides in the relentless Sri Lankan heat. After laying down, he closed his eyes and never woke up.
Adding their plea for Kanakota’s story to be shared to help raise awareness for other tourists who visit the county:
Until tourists refuse to ride elephants, more of these gentle giants will continue to suffer and collapse from exhaustion – please help to spread awareness by sharing Kanakota’s tragic story, and pledge never to ride an elephant.
In the wild, Kanakota could have lived for decades longer.
Find Moving Animals here.
(Screenshot via Moving Animals/photographer Ape Rata)
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