Emaciated Sri Lankan elephant dies despite medical care

Tikiri, a 70-year-old Sri Lankan elephant died earlier this week.

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. [Photo: VCG]

In August, Tikiri came to international attention when she was used in a parade at the Esala Perahera festival in Kandy, central Sri Lanka.

Her skeletal appearance led a global outcry. In response the festival organizers withdrew her from this year's closing parade.

Tikiri looked too sick to take part in a parade on August 13, 2019. [Photo: VCG]

Although Tikiri was sent back to her owner and given medical care her condition did not improve. Her death was announced on Tuesday.

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. [Photo: VCG]

Tikiri was among 60 elephants who march at the Perahera festival every year. Ornately decorated elephants are a major attraction in Sri Lankan Buddhist pageants.