A 70-year-old elephant, whose skeletal state sparked an international outcry, has died.
Tikiri was one of 60 elephants forced to march at the Perahera festival in Sri Lanka every year, working every night for ten days dressed in an elaborate costume.
After social media erupted with calls for her rescue, Sri Lanka's tourism minister said she would be pulled from performing.
But SEF founder Lek Chailert, announced late on Tuesday that Tikiri had passed away.
"Tikiri's suffering has ended, her soul is now free. No more harm can come to her," Ms Chailert wrote in an Instagram post.
"RIP dear Tikiri. Never look back to this world so cruel toward you and your friends."
The charity, which helps to rescue and care for captive elephants across Asia, shared images of Tikiri’s gaunt body last month to mark World Elephant Day.
In an emotive post, Ms Chailert wrote: “This is Tikiiri, a 70 year old ailing female. She is one of the 60 elephants who must work in the service of the Perahera Festival in Sri Lanka this year.
“Tikiri joins in the parade early every evening until late at night every night for ten consecutive nights, amidst the noise, the fireworks, and smoke.
“She walks many kilometres every night so that people will feel blessed during the ceremony. No one sees her bony body or her weakened condition, because of her costume.
“No one sees the tears in her eyes, injured by the bright lights that decorate her mask, no one sees her difficulty to step as her legs are short shackled while she walks.
“For a ceremony, all have the right to belief as long as that belief does not disturb or harm another. How can we call this a blessing, or something holy, if we make other lives to suffer?”
However, responding to the international uproar at her alleged abuse, a spokesman from the Buddhist temple that organises the festival said Tikiri suffered from a "digestive ailment" that prevented her from putting on weight.
The Sacred Tooth Relic spokesman the Metro that this ailment had not "affected her strength and abilities".
Tikiri was subsequently given medical attention her condition largely "remained the same", the SEF reported.
"Tikiri was taken away and remains isolated," the foundation posted just hours before her death.
"Sadly her future remains somewhat bleak."
Animal rights group PETA has called for stronger enforcement of animal-protection laws in Sri Lanka, accusing the country of “an exploitative and abusive tourism industry.”
It told the BBC many elephants were suffering "similar or worse treatment” and urged tourists to avoid places that offer elephant rides or performances.
