Mull’s Hannah helps to rescue abused elephant

A Mull woman who trapped herself in a cave to help in the plight of an abused elephant in Malaysia has received some good news – the animal has been rescued and moved to the Kuala Gandah sanctuary.

Last year, Hannah Morris spent a night in MacKinnon’s Cave to raise awareness of Lasah’s living conditions, as well as organising a peaceful protest in London and walking down Glasgow’s Buchanan Street in nothing but a ‘Free Lasah’ banner.

The 37-year-old elephant was taken into captivity when he was a baby and was subsequently used in the entertainment industry.

More than 400,000 people signed a petition to Free Lasah, including celebrities such as Ian Redmond, Donny Moss, Steven M Wise, Brigitte Bardot, Jackass’s Steveo and footballer Yaya Toure.

Speaking after the news, Hannah said: ‘May this send out the message that there is no longer any money in poaching wildlife for the tourist trade, and that Lasah will pave the way for others trapped in the industry.

‘Please tell your friends that if you see a wild animal in chains, it is abuse and you should never pay for this.’

Hannah filmed her night in MacKinnon’s Cave, which is the longest sea cave in the Hebrides. The cave becomes cut off by the tide and is only accessible below half tide via a difficult scramble across the shore’s boulders.

‘I wanted to do this not just for Lasah, but for all the animals trapped in the tourist industry, as well as the millions of animals trapped and used in the farming, fur and beauty industries.

‘I am not asking anyone for donations, just awareness and signatures.

‘It was so dark in the cave I couldn’t see clearly what was beside or above me as my torches were not powerful enough and my camera flash only fired for a split second.

‘It wasn’t until I got home and digitally lightened the photos that I realised how amazingly high the cave was.

‘As for sleeping in there alone, no, I won’t be doing that again.’