"This is not art, this is pure animal abuse"
A Russian photographer has sparked outrage after an elephant was painted pink for a photoshoot. Backlash intensified after it was reported that the elephant died shortly after.
Animal rights activists accused Julia Buruleva, a Barcelona-based conceptual photographer, of animal cruelty following the shoot in Rajasthan.
The images depict a woman, also painted pink, sitting atop the elephant at an abandoned Hindu temple.
The photographs were originally posted on Instagram in December 2025.
However, they only began attracting widespread attention this month after going viral.
Ms Buruleva said the shoot took place in November 2025 during a six-week art expedition.
She said the project aimed to reflect existing realities rather than justify or promote such practices.
Ms Buruleva said “no harm was caused to the elephant at any point” during the shoot.
She added that the paint used was non-toxic and natural.
“It was applied for a very short period of time and was easily washable.
“The entire session was brief and conducted under the supervision of the elephant’s handler, who is responsible for its daily care and well-being.”
The photographer added that the elephant showed no signs of distress.
She described the animal as “calm, relaxed and responsive”.
Despite her defence, criticism intensified across social media platforms.
One of the most-liked comments on her Instagram post read:
“This is not art, this is pure animal abuse and so not ok to glorify it.”
Another user wrote: “Creative freedom is not a free pass for irresponsible expression”.
A further comment questioned: “Would they let you do this in your own country?”
Responding to the backlash, Ms Buruleva said painted elephants are a visible part of the local cultural landscape in Jaipur.
She said: “In Jaipur, elephants are visibly present in the cultural landscape – in ceremonies, decorations, and everyday life.
“And I saw them painted every day, because it is also a part of a local tradition.
“I understand that this topic is sensitive for many people.
“At the same time, I believe it is important to distinguish between situations where animals are genuinely harmed and those where assumptions may not fully reflect the actual conditions.”
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There had been speculation that the photoshoot was linked to the elephant’s death.
However, it was reported that it was due to old age.
The elephant’s owner, Shadik Khan, said the animal, named Chanchal, was 65 years old at the time of the photoshoot.
He added that the elephant was no longer used for rides.
Mr Khan confirmed that Chanchal died in February 2026.
Ms Buruleva said she was informed of the death and was told it was due to old age.
Mr Khan said kaccha gulal (natural powdered colour) was applied for 10 minutes and washed off immediately.
Forest department officials have confirmed they are investigating the incident.
Authorities will examine whether the necessary permissions were obtained and if animal welfare regulations were followed.
Animal rights groups have called for stricter enforcement of existing laws.
Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection in India, said:
“This incident highlights the rampant abuse of captive elephants in Jaipur to cater to tourists’ whims and fancies.
“We are calling upon the Indian authorities to strictly regulate all close encounters of captive elephants with all tourists, including foreign tourists, in Jaipur and all over India.”
The photographer has also hit out at the media, accusing them of spreading misinformation, and launched a support petition.
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