Pink Elephant Photos in Jaipur Ignite Animal Welfare Controversy
A major controversy has erupted in Rajasthan after images of an elephant painted bright pink during a photoshoot in Jaipur were widely shared online, sparking intense criticism and raising serious concerns over animal welfare practices. The photos and videos, originally posted in December 2025 by Russian photographer Julia Buruleva, have recently gained significant traction on social media platforms, drawing a mix of reactions from the public.
Details of the Photoshoot and Elephant's Death
According to the artist's social media post, the photoshoot took place in November 2025 and featured a model named Yashasvi alongside a female elephant named Chanchal from Jaipur's Hathi Gaon. The pachyderm died last month, as confirmed by her owner, while officials have stated that the photo shoot had no connection with her death. Ballu Khan, president of the Hathi Gaon Committee, explained that the elephant was coloured using "gulal," a powder commonly used during the Holi festival, and that it was washed off within minutes. He added that Chanchal, aged about 65, died last month due to natural causes associated with old age.
Defense from Local Handlers
Defending the practice, Khan said his family and others in the area had been caring for elephants for "the past five generations." "Elephants have been decorated and painted on various festivals as well but with gulal and not any plastic paint," he said, noting that the animal was painted only on one side for the shoot. Sadik Khan, the elephant's owner, emphasized that the animal was not being used for rides at the time due to her age. "The shoot lasted for about 10 minutes. Raw gulal was applied and washed off immediately. It was the same colour used during Holi," he said, adding that the elephant died in February.
Public Scrutiny and Official Response
However, the timing of the images resurfacing online and news of the elephant's death has intensified public scrutiny, with many calling for stricter oversight of the use of animals in commercial and artistic settings. Officials and local handlers have stated that there was no evidence linking the animal's death to the photoshoot. In a social media post, Buruleva said she had spent six weeks in Jaipur and drew inspiration from the city's iconic pink colour and cultural imagery. "Elephants are everywhere there -- streets, ornaments, architecture. Practically the main symbol of Rajasthan. I just couldn't pass by without including one," she wrote.
Animal Rights Activists Weigh In
Amid the backlash, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Vijay Pal Singh said there was currently no investigation into the matter and declined further comment. Animal rights activists, however, argue that the episode highlights broader concerns around the treatment of captive elephants in India. Khushboo Gupta, vice president of policy at PETA India, stated, "Elephant Chanchal's reported death after she was painted bright pink for a photoshoot signals a state of emergency for India's captive elephants who suffer physically and mentally. Elephants used for rides and other performances are routinely kept chained when not in use and controlled through weapons, conditions that cause intense distress and lead to dangerous incidents when frustrated elephants attack." She added that PETA India has long recommended phasing out elephant rides and other uses of elephants near Jaipur and elsewhere by replacing them with decorated electric vehicles and robot elephants.
The incident has sparked a wider debate on ethical practices involving animals in art and tourism, with many urging for more robust regulations to protect wildlife from exploitation.
