Maneka Gandhi requests President to free elephant ‘Bandula’

17 September 2018 10:27 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Indian Minister and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi has written to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena requesting him to free elephant ‘Bandula’ from Dehiwala Zoo, the NDTV reported on Monday.

In her letter, Ms.Gandhi said many in Sri Lanka have reached out to her about the "plight of Bandula" who is in chains for last 67 years.

There were reports about bleeding wounds on Bandula's limbs, due to heavy chains for years.

“Sri Lanka is such a gentle and beautiful island. It seems out of character to treat the elephant this way. Send the elephant to the Ridiyagama National Park to live free,” Ms.Gandhi said.

The minister cited examples in India about how elephants are banned in zoos and the elephants look stressed when chained as they have the same sensitivities as humans.

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Comments - 9

Piyal Monday, 17 September 2018 11:39 PM

He's ugly.but he is not an elephant

Jayaratne Tuesday, 18 September 2018 12:53 PM

That's a good one.

Chryshan K Monday, 17 September 2018 11:55 PM

What a shame to have an animal tied for 67 years. Probably this is how we have celebrated independence soon after 1948.

George Tuesday, 18 September 2018 01:11 AM

We appreciate your concern. Thank you

srilal Tuesday, 18 September 2018 03:41 PM

yesterday three elephants and a baby elephant was killed in a train accident , Menaka should help to have a elephant corridor at this elephant crossing , please

AIA Tuesday, 18 September 2018 05:58 PM

Oh you have aged now !

M Tuesday, 18 September 2018 07:58 PM

The elephants in the zoo are the most wretched I have seen anywhere. It is sickening This so called "zoo" should be shut down - it has been in steady decline since the 70's and now is nothing more than a hell on earth for the animals in it's carePity we have to wait for foreigners to tell us to be human and to obey the precepts of Buddhism that we put on for a show

Ghost Wednesday, 19 September 2018 08:21 AM

Thanks a lot but we'll look after ours , you look after yours!!!

CITIZEN Wednesday, 19 September 2018 09:18 AM

Is she referring to our famous TM Bandula, MP? He is not an Elephant but a RHINO!!!

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Maneka Gandhi requests President to free elephant ‘Bandula’

Comments - 9

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