Saama is a 27 year old elephant currently residing at the Alan Mathiniyaramaya temple in Sri Lanka. She was gifted to them 3 years ago by the Pinnawala Elephant Orphange. As you can see from the pictures below, she is being severely neglected.
According to sources, this is not the first elephant to have been mistreated her currently mahout. In the past, another elephant died in his care.
We are petitioning the Department of Wildlife Conservation - Sri Lanka as well as the Right Honourable D. M. Jayaratne to have her moved to a sanctuary where she may spend her remaining years. A couple of videos have surfaced of Saama and she is showing clear signs of pyschological trama. It is extremely important that she be freed as soon as possible. As well, we are asking that any other elephants currently residing at the Alan Mathiniyaramaya temple be sent to a sanctuary and that the temple be banned from owning or keeping any other elephants in the future.
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Update #19 years ago
http://www.dailymirror.lk/62423/ly-kept-illegally-inside-temple-premises
It was believed that Saama was confiscated along with a 2 ½ year old elephant. Sadly, it has been confirmed that she is still at the temple.
I’ve contacted the forestry, tourism and wildlife depts, the Deputy Minister, Mayor and PM, the Sri Lankan embassy where I live, Wildlife SOS, Born Free, Udawalawe National Park and the SL Wildlife Conservation Society.
Thank you and please continue to share this petition.
