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On May 27, a pregnant elephant died in Kerala, India, of excruciating pain after it bit into a pineapple filled with firecrackers. The explosives went off in her mouth, damaging her jaw grievously.

A spokesperson from the Kerala Forest Department told Sky News that farmers are known to put fireworks inside food and plant it on the edges of their fields to keep away wild animals.

The incident came to the public's attention when forest officer Mohan Krishnan, part of the team who attempted to rescue the animal, shared the story on Facebook.

Image credits: Mohan Krishnan

"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," Mr. Krishnan said.

Officials say the wild elephant probably wandered out of the Silent Valley National Park (SVNP) in search of food. It is believed to have reached the Malappuram District, where the animal allegedly bit into the fruit stuffed with firecrackers.

Image credits: Mohan Krishnan

Animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi said Malapurram is one of the most dangerous places for animals in the whole county. "It is a murder, Malappuram is famous such incidents, it is India's most violent district. For instance, they throw poison on roads so that 300-400 birds and dogs die at one time," she said, adding that an elephant is killed every 3 days in Kerala.

The elephant's tongue and mouth were so badly injured, she wasn't able to eat. "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," Mr. Krishnan added.

The elephant later got to the Velliyar River and stood there with her head partially underwater. The forest officer explained that two captive elephants were brought to lead her out of the river, but she wouldn't move. Eventually, she died while still standing in the water.

Officials took her back to the forest in a truck and cremated her there. So far, it isn't clear where exactly the animal got hurt.

Image credits: Mohan Krishnan

Local authorities have registered the case and initiated a probe into the killing of the 15-year-old elephant. Two organizations announced money rewards to anyone who can provide information that would lead to an arrest.

While the investigation is underway, people on social media have been paying tribute to the poor animal by sharing artworks they made to honor it.

Image credits: Sidharthraghav8

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fro_st puppy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yes thats what we all want to know. why would anyone do such a thing? that poor elephant

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SweetCrescentMoon
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At this point I think we deserve the covid 19. Just look at the horrible stuff we do...

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A Lazy Spider
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor poor elephant, how could anyone do such a thing? I hope her tears are now tears of joy that she’s not sharing a world with people like that. She didn’t deserve it

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Marty Meshberg
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Hilarious" means very funny. I am sure you didn't mean that. Find a better word.

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TheReader19
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cannot begin to comprehend how someone could even think of doing such an evil thing. What can possibly be happening in your life that you would destroy the lives of such beautiful creatures?

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Paul Chang
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love it when I go into the wilderness and not see anyone all day long

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Kat Khatib
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am bawling my eyes out. I can feel what this poor defenseless animal felt. Makes me sick.

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LazyPanda
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just can't believe that someone is even able to come up with an idea like this... How can anyone do something like this... I have no words

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CHUA YEE HWEE
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is what the poor elephant thought:humans are so good! they gave free food to me and baby! she was pregnant and did not know there were fire crackers in the pineapple. It was not her fault. It was our fault. Rest in peace Momma elephant and baby

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Christina Uhlir
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

.....yea, it's only for damn humans, till they completely destroy it, than they'll go to hell.

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Molly Block
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disgusted this happened. Probably some kids thinking it would be a "fun" prank. Maybe they didn't realize or mean to kill such a large magnificent creature. I'm just confused how how the firecrackers were set off, without a flame.

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