Elephant on mend at home after festival collapse
THE owners of Tikiri the elephant have hit back at claims they are mistreating her.
Harrowing pictures of 70-yearold Tikiri’s emaciated body caused an international outcry when she collapsed from exhaustion after parading at a religious festival.
But owner Randenige Thilakarathna insists he has spent a fortune on veterinary care for her and that she is on the mend.
The 62-year-old supermarket and hotel owner, whose family have owned Tikiri for eight years, withdrew her from the finale of the 10-day Perahera festival in Sri Lanka after she collapsed last week.
He said his family love her and would never mistreat her.
He sent the Mirror pictures and video of her grazing at home.
Speaking via his son Champika, he said: “Tikiri is our only elephant and very loved by our family. We would never mistreat or harm her.
“She has had a stomach problem for five months and has problems chewing because of her age, but we have made sure she has received Sri Lankan medicine and English medicine and she’s getting better.”
He was upset by the criticism from around the world, and said: “The people who say these things do not know about treating an elephant. We have used only vets who specialise in elephants.”
Champika, 29, said: “We would not have let her parade if our vet had not said she was getting better. She collapsed because she is old and tired. But now she is standing up, eating well, is putting on weight and is happily back at home.
“She’s being well looked after and loved to make sure her last years are as happy and healthy as can be.”
The family’s claims have been backed up by the Millennium Elephant Foundation, the charity that first circulated the pictures of Tikiri in the parade.
In a statement, it said animal activist Champa Fernando had visited Tikiri on Monday at the family’s home in Kegalle.
Champa said: “Tikiri is very much at home and looks relaxed. Her stomach ailment seems to have got better and she is eating robustly now.
“She is bathed every day at the river. The elephant carer and owner bring special food for her.
“Vets and Ayurvedic doctors visit her regularly and treat her. They are very careful with her diet.”