Elephant conservation news 01 - 07 AugustTwo elephant calves have been presented to a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, despite warnings from animal rights activists that they should not be separated from their mothers, AFP News reports.
The President of Sri Lanka gifted the calves to the Temple of the Tooth on Wednesday after the Government said that there was a shortage of elephants for religious processions.
The two-and-half-year-old elephants were taken from their mothers at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in central Sri Lanka over a week ago.
Animal rights activists said that separating the calves from their mothers while they were still suckling was damaging to both parties.
"The mothers' udders have swollen because they're unable to give milk. It's not only the calves but even the mothers that are suffering," said environmental lawyer Jagath Gunawardena.
Protesters filed a petition to the country's Supreme Court and Court of Appeal arguing that baby elephants should live with their mothers for at least five years.
Responding to the criticism, recreation minister Gamim Lokuge said that the calves would only be returned to the orphanage "if the chief veterinary surgeon recommends it, or the court orders it".
