Main image via Indian Express

A 15-year-old pregnant wild elephant died in Kerala, standing in water, after she had face one of the most brutal abuse in recent time. The gentle giant who was hungry went on a search for food, as she walked on the streets, she was fed a pineapple filled with firecracker by some locals, the fruit exploded in her mouth severely injuring her mouth and tongue.

The incident was brought to light by Mohan Krishnan, Section Forest Officer, Nilambur, on his Facebook page where he had acted as the Rapid Response Team official to rescue the elephant which was in distress.  He wrote…

"She trusted everyone. When the pineapple she ate exploded, she must have been shocked not thinking about herself, but about the child she was going to give birth to in 18 to 20 months."

The cracker explosion was so powerful it has injured the elephant’s month and tongue severely, leaving the elephant in extreme pain. In searing pain and in hunger, unable to eat anything, she walked away in pain not harming a single soul. Mohan Krishnan went on to say…

 "She didn't harm a single human being even when she ran in searing pain in the streets of the village. She didn't crush a single home. This is why I said, she is full of goodness."

 Image via Facebook

The injured elephant walked up to the Velliyar River and stood there with her mouth and trunk in water, as a relief from the unbearable pain. The forest officer said she must have done this to avoid flies and other insects on her injuries. After hours of attempts by the officials to rescue the elephant, she died at 4 pm on May 27, standing in water. The elephant was taken back inside the forest in a truck, where the forest officials cremated her.

“We bowed before her and paid our last respects," the forest officer said.

Truly a tragic story, animals should be treated with love and kindness!

Info via: Indian Express