Buddhist and Hindu temples in Sri Lanka use elephants to attract visitors.
The sad story of Ganga the elephant in Colombo has gained attention already and more than 100,000 signatures, but there are many elephants suffering the same terrible tortures ever day : two of them in southern Sri Lanka, in Dondra, at the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Maha Devalaya Hindu temple.
This temple is one of the most popular attractions in the area. In the adjoining park two elephants are on display as part of the attraction. They are so tightly chained that not even a one step movement is possible : one of the rear ankles is chained from the back, one of the front ankles from the front - impossible to step forward, sideways or lie down.
The pain of the animals is obvious: a constant swinging move of the body indicates the extreme level of distress and emotional stress, the pain due to lack of movement!
Elephants live tens of years - these two will die here after a sad and painful life of daily torture.
Please do not let this happen! Give them a chance for a better life!
I am looking for new and better images. Please keep me posted should you be visiting the temple.
Please, visit the petition for Ganga too:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/384/715/776/
If we help to increase the count we may be able to help the cause of all temple elephants in Sri Lanka. Thank you. EVERY ELEPHANT COUNTS!
Update #28 years ago
Dear Friends!
A sad video shows one of our two chained elephants - a year ago. No change! Every moment they stand there. Now, this moment too. Tomorrow when we wake up, when we go to bed, each moment of the day. Chained. Swinging. Heartbroken.
Please share, we need more signatures. Thanks!
http://bit.ly/1dRFgMI
Update #18 years ago
Thank you very-very much for supporting this petition to help the two elephants in Dondra ( or Dewundara) whose names we know now: the female is called Lasandha and the male is Kalana!
They used to live in the infamous Pinnavala Orphanage and were illegally donated to the temple where they are suffering chained through their days now as living objects of a never ending, cruel exhibition.
Please share : every elephant counts!!
Thanks!
