Friends, In March 2015, Anjalee, a baby elephant was exported to Auckland Zoo by the Government of Sri Lanka via the Dehiwala Zoo, despite protests and against the advice of experts in Sri Lanka, New Zealand and elsewhere. Today, it is known that Anjalee, the baby elephant who was separated from her herd and her native land, is seriously ill from hepatitis and is rumored to be severely depressed. Questions have been raised in Sri Lanka about the MOU under which Anjalee was sent to New Zealand, Anjalee's current physical state, and the Dehiwala Zoo's role in the indiscriminate transferring of baby elephants to all types of international zoos without consideration for the animal's welfare (e.g. Saheli who was gifted to Islamabad Zoo in 1991 died prematurely due to negligence of zoo keepers and Mali continues to waste away in solitary confinement in the Philippines - http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/05/13/gifted-sri-lankan-elephant-dies-another-depressed/). We are sad to report that despite promises made by the current Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife to halt the gifting of elephants to other countries, the Dehiwala Zoo is moving forward with the transfer of A SECOND BABY ELEPHANT TO THE AUCKLAND ZOO. Due to - the lack of transparency about the agreement under which a second baby elephant is being sent to Auckland Zoo, - the poor health of the first baby elephant who was sent to Auckland Zoo, - allegations of deals and corruption involving some officials of the Dehiwala Zoo, and - the present Minister reneging on the promise to halt the gifting of elephants to other countries, key animal welfare and wildlife advocates of Sri Lanka have issued a letter (attached) demanding that the Sri Lankan government make public the agreement under which another elephant is being exported to New Zealand. The latest developments highlight the urgent need for us to close the Dehiwala Zoo, which continues its unethical practices towards the animals under its care, exploits them for political gain, and is once again tainted by allegations of irregularities and corruption. Please continue to support our petition, and if you wish send your own appeal to the Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Hon. Gamini Jayawickreme Perera, T +94.112887421 F +94.112887481 E jayawickrama@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Wildlifesl/ Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife 9th Floor, Sethsiripaya, Stage I, Battaramulla Sri Lanka and the Acting Director Renuka Bandaranayake of the Dehiwala Zoo: T +94.11.2712752-3 F +94.11.2734542 E zoosl@slt.lk https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Zoological-Gardens-of-Sri-Lanka/157708434281101 National Zoological Gardens Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha Dehiwala Thank you!