Mumbai: ‘Anupamaa’ actor Rupali Ganguly, who has consistently spoken up for animal rights, condemned a Jaipur content creator for painting an elephant pink for the sake of a photoshoot and appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strict action.
Mourning the demise of the elephant, that reportedly passed away after the photoshoot, Rupali wrote, “As someone who shares your respect for wildlife and as a supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India), I write with deep sadness about Chanchal, the captive elephant in Rajasthan who was painted bright pink and used as a prop for a photoshoot and who is reported to have died, and about other elephants still used for rides. This incident has upset people across India and beyond, reflecting how strongly the public now feels against elephant exploitation.”
Drawing attention to the plight of elephants used for rides at places like Amer Fort, she pointed out that when not in use, they are often kept chained and controlled with weapons, Rupali added, “I have learned that the owner quoted in reports, Saddik Khan, is the same individual associated with Malti, an elephant who was beaten twice and ultimately rescued following efforts by PETA India. While the photoshoot has horrified the public, elephants used for rides at places like Amer Fort endure an even harsher daily reality: they are kept chained when not in use and often controlled through weapons. Frustrated, they have been known to attack humans or each other.”
Taking Indonesia as an example, she further urged that India should end all elephant rides and resort to “robotic elephants, decorated electric vehicles, and other non-animal alternatives” to “protect our national heritage animal from use in cruel spectacles.”
According to PETA India, elephants kept close to humans often feel stressed. This stress can make their behaviour unpredictable, which sometimes leads to accidents during rides and performances.
To ensure safety for both people and animals and to offer visitors an alternative to using real elephants, the Kerala Tourism Department has introduced a mechanical elephant safari at Thumboormuzhy Butterfly Garden near Athirappilly Waterfalls.
