PETA India Offers Mechanical Elephant for Telangana Muharram and Bonalu Events; Centre Temporarily Blocks Transfer of Unfit Live Elephant From Karnataka

Following news that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change asked the state of Karnataka to temporarily hold the transfer of an elephant named Roopavathi to Telangana out of concern for her poor health, PETA India is publicly offering to fund and facilitate the use of a mechanical elephant for upcoming Muharram and Bonalu processions to allow observers and devotees to proceed with their rituals without subjecting the compromised elephant to gruelling processions and crowds. PETA India points out that the use of a life-size mechanical elephant will also protect humans from potential harm by an upset elephant and calls for the permanent rehabilitation of Roopavathi at a sanctuary where she could live unchained and in the company of other members of her species.

Upon examination, veterinary experts informed PETA India that Roopavathi is unfit for transportation and participation in events, adding that she appears to show signs of prolonged physical suffering and requires rehabilitation at a reputable sanctuary. As per their assessment, both her forelegs show signs of arthritic changes, while she appears to be blind in one eye and generally visually impaired. Additionally, her foot pads are flattened and lack contouring, which causes her pain and puts her at an increased risk of slipping on city roads and other surfaces.

Last month, PETA India met with the minister for forest and environment for Telangana, the principal secretary of environment and forest for the state, the Telangana Waqf Board, and HEH The Nizam’s Religious Trust with an offer to supply a life-size mechanical elephant for the observance of Muharram and Bonalu. The “elephant” has a realistic appearance, makes lifelike movements and gestures, and can effectively replicate the experience of using a real animal.

With celebrity support, PETA India has already donated four life-size mechanical elephants – Irinjadappilly Raman to the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur, Mahadevan to the Thrikkayil Mahadeva Temple in Kochi, Baladhasan to the Pournamikavu Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, and Shiva to Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Math in Mysuru – in recognition of the temples’ decisions never to own or hire live elephants. These and other mechanical elephants are now used to conduct safe, cruelty-free ceremonies at temples, allowing real elephants to remain with their families in nature.

Mechanical elephants can shake their heads, move their ears, swish their tails, and lift their trunks. Using them in place of real elephants helps religious institutions ensure the safety of their attendees and conduct rituals humanely. The only costs involved in maintaining such an “elephant” are for electricity and staff to accompany it during public events.