Press Release: March 4, 1999

More Information About IPAN Animal Refuge Veterinary Services Education Animal Conditions Project Reports "Loki" the Indian Elephant and related issues How you can help

Your Help is Needed

Your help is urgently needed in a worst-case scenario of elephant cruelty in India. The wild elephant in question is being starved and beaten for “training” purposes by local State Forest Department authorities and may soon die after 7 months in captivity. India Project for Animals and Nature (IPAN) provided feed and proper veterinary care and medicines between September – December 1998. But now the local authorities have refused all further outside help, and will not meet with press or concerned individuals to work together to save this elephant from further suffering and allow him to be given sanctuary. No photographs or video are being allowed.

Congressman Sam Farr has sent letters of concern to the U.S. Ambassador to India, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and the Department of State. A “sign-on” letter has also been sent to the Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Mr. Naresh Chandra, and to Minister Maneka Gandhi, now by over 30 members of Congress.

The responsible local forest authorities are still covering up Loki's plight. As a result, higher authorities still believe that “Loki”, who is in chains and is crippled, sick, and starving, is being properly fed and given veterinary care. By refusing to allow India Project for Animals and Nature (IPAN) staff to care for Loki, he continues to suffer and may soon be dead.

According to Mr. Naresh Chandra, Indian Ambassador in the U.S., Maneka Gandhi, "India's foremost animal welfare advocate" has been called in to investigate.