Disturbing Photos Of Elephant That Went Viral, Dies After '70 years as a slave’

In sad and shocking case, a 70-year-old elephant in Sri Lanka, whose emaciated body created a row on social media earlier this year, has died.

This news was confirmed by an animal rights charity, which has badly shocked the nation. 

The elephant Tikiri, was among 60 other elephants who have been forced to march at the Perahera festival in Kandy every year.

As per BBC reports, the Save Elephant Foundation (SEF) had posted photos of her in August this year, where they spoke about her mistreatment and lack of food. After the news went viral, Sri Lanka's tourism minister confirmed to BBC that she would not be part of any festival and be taken cared off.

Following that, she was also eventually returned to her keeper. The SEF had also posted pictures of Tikiri, at the Perahera festival with her frail body covered by a colourful costume.  

But the news shocked the nation after Lek Chailert, founder of SEF, shared that Tikiri had passed away. "Tikiri's suffering has ended, her soul is now free. No more harm can come to her," said Chailert in an Instagram post."RIP dear Tikiri.

Never look back to this world so cruel toward you and your friends," the post further added. 

Meanwhile, a spokesman from the Buddhist temple that organises the festival said that Tikiri suffered from a "digestive ailment" that prevented her from putting on weight.

The renowned animal rights group PETA had earlier stated that many elephants in Sri Lanka have been suffering. They also called for stronger enforcement of animal-protection laws.