197 Signatures Collected

PETITION TARGET: Dr. Vinay Gupta, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife & Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam

In Assam, India, a 48-year-old elephant named Maniki — burdened with a severely bent leg — was cruelly forced to limp 36 kilometers over six days with a handler on her back before local residents intervened and authorities were alerted, according to NDTV.

The pachyderm, who was supposed to walk almost 95 kilometers to receive treatment for her deteriorating, deformed leg, went viral after being filmed hobbling along a highway. It was then revealed that her guardian had disregarded guidelines mandating that the injured elephant be transported by vehicle for her welfare.

Officials stated they are considering taking legal action against Maniki’s guardian and that investigations are underway.

This elephant’s painful six-day trek on a crippled leg was both cruel and preventable, and authorities must pursue justice and help prevent something like this from happening again.

Sign our petition urging authorities to thoroughly investigate Maniki’s case and take strong action against anyone who defied humane transport guidelines for her medical care.