Don’t return abused Muthu Raja to Sri Lanka, Thai people appeal

• There were allegations that the animal was badly abused while at a Buddhist temple

Following the return of the ailing elephant Muthu Raja to Thailand, activist groups and Thai citizens have appealed not to return the tusker to Sri Lanka.   

Muthu Raja also known as Sak Surin returned to his native land for medical treatment on Sunday (02) following allegations that the animal was badly abused while living at a Buddhist temple.  

 In this context, an animal activist group, the Rally for Animal Rights and Environment has called for prosecution against those responsible for neglecting Muthu Raja, adding that the elephant would be dead by now if the Thai government did not intervene.    

The activist group also alleged that the mammal was being mistreated, tortured and neglected.   

Muthu Raja was flown directly from the South Asian island nation’s capital to Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand on a Russian Ilyushin IL-76 cargo plane.   

The elephant was sent to Sri Lanka in 2001 when he was around 10 years old as a gift from the Thai royal family. He was one of three elephants that Thailand gave to Sri Lanka’s government for training as a carrier of religious relics. Muthu Raja was placed in the care of a Buddhist temple.

• The Rally for Animal Rights and Environment has called for prosecution against those responsible
• The activist group alleged that the mammal was being mistreated, tortured and neglected