Pink Elephant Photoshoot Triggers Animal Cruelty Investigation in India
Indian forest officials have launched a formal investigation following widespread social media outrage over a controversial photoshoot featuring a 65-year-old elephant painted bright pink. The incident, which occurred in Jaipur city in the western state of Rajasthan, has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights activists and the public alike.
Outrage Over Conceptual Photographer's Artistic Vision
Julia Buruleva, a Barcelona-based conceptual photographer originally from Russia, has been accused of animal cruelty for painting the elderly tusker pink during an art expedition in December last year. The images, which show a woman painted pink sitting atop the similarly coloured elephant at an abandoned Hindu temple, were initially posted on Buruleva's Instagram page but went viral this month, sparking international condemnation.
In a February post defending her work, Buruleva explained that the concept developed after weeks immersed in Jaipur's vivid colours and imagery. "Elephants are everywhere – streets, ornaments, architecture. Practically the main symbol of Rajasthan," she wrote. "They're often decorated for festivals and celebrations – locals paint them in sorts of colours. I decided on one solid bright pink elephant, the most popular colour in Rajasthan."
Claims of Organic Materials and Elephant's Subsequent Death
Buruleva claimed the paint used was organic and similar to colours "used for festivals, so it was absolutely safe for the animal." This assertion has been met with scepticism from critics who question the ethics of using an elderly animal for artistic purposes.
Shadik Khan, the elephant's owner, provided additional context to The New Indian Express, revealing that the animal named Chanchal was 65 years old at the time of the photoshoot and was no longer used for tourist rides. Khan stated that "kaccha gulal" – a Hindi term for powdered colour made from natural materials that washes off easily without staining – was used for the brief 10-minute session and was immediately washed off afterward.
In a significant development, Khan confirmed that Chanchal died in February, though no direct connection has been established between the photoshoot and the elephant's death.
Social Media Backlash and Official Response
The Instagram post attracted thousands of comments, with many users expressing outrage at what they perceived as animal exploitation disguised as art. One of the most-liked comments read: "This is not art, this is pure animal abuse and so not ok to glorify it." Another user questioned: "Would they let you do this in your own country?" while a third commented: "Creative freedom is not a free pass for irresponsible expression."
Forest department officials have confirmed they have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated a formal inquiry. Authorities will examine whether proper permissions were obtained for the photoshoot and if established animal welfare norms were followed during the process.
The investigation comes amid growing concern about animal treatment in tourism and artistic contexts across India. The Independent has reached out to Julia Buruleva for further comment on the ongoing investigation and the ethical questions raised by her work.
