LUCKNOW—Humane Society International/India has written to the Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, urging him to take back the state elephant Rangmala and other elephants who have been transported illegally to Rajasthan’s Amer Fort.

The elephants, who are now being used for joyrides at Amer Fort, are in a dire state, living in inadequate facilities and facing abuse. 56-year-old Rangmala had no transport certificate or ownership certificate and one of her tusks has been illegally removed.

Take action: Say no to cruel elephant rides.

N.G. Jayasimha, managing director of HSI/India said, “We are appalled at the illegalities taking place at the Amer Fort, and we appeal to the government of Uttar Pradesh to bring its valuable elephants back home where they belong. They are the state’s natural treasures and should not have been moved to Rajasthan to be used as entertainment.”

Letters were also sent to the Chief Ministers of Delhi, Assam, Nagaland and Andaman and Nicobar Islands—other states whose elephants have been taken illegally to Rajasthan.

Humane Society International/India has a campaign to end elephant rides at Amer Fort, sending more than 100 notices on various violations to the Rajasthan Forest Department. In May, the Forest Department was ordered to move 10-year-old Suman to a state elephant sanctuary after she was rescued from illegal captivity. Suman is the daughter of Champa, who died while working at Amer Fort. Take action and donate to help.

Media Contact: Neelam Naseeb, nnaseeb@hsi.org, +919205104695