Bengaluru School Visited by Asia’s First Empathy Building Animatronic Elephant ‘Ellie’, Voiced by Actor Dia Mirza, Courtesy of PETA India

St Joseph’s School (CBSE) students experienced a unique visit from Ellie, a remarkably lifelike mechanical elephant. Voiced by actor Dia Mirza, Ellie was part of an empathy-building tour initiated by PETA India in Bengaluru. Ellie captivated thousands of local students, mimicking the movements of a real elephant by blinking her eyes and flapping her ears. She narrated an age-appropriate story detailing her traumatic separation from her mother as a baby, the abuse she suffered in a circus, and her eventual rescue and joyful life at a sanctuary.

“The children were thrilled to meet Ellie, the mechanical elephant, who imparts lessons on kindness and animal care. Thanks to Ellie and PETA India, students now comprehend that real elephants deserve to live freely in their natural habitats, rather than being confined or mistreated. This experience has enlightened them about the significance of animal welfare and the harsh realities faced by elephants in captivity. The insights gained from Ellie will hopefully inspire them to champion the humane treatment of all animals.” – Principal Rev. Fr. Rohan D’Almeida, SJ

Captive elephants used for entertainment are often separated from their families and natural habitats. They endure harsh training methods and are controlled with ankuses—heavy batons tipped with sharp steel points—which instil fear and pain. Over time, many elephants exhibit abnormal behaviours due to prolonged confinement and are frequently deprived of adequate food, water, and veterinary care. 

Since May 2023, Ellie has reached over 165,000 young learners across India at various private, public, international, and government schools, sharing the message that elephants should not be used in circuses or for rides or other cruel events. She’ll now be visiting thousands of students at St. Joseph Indian Primary School, St. Joseph Indian High School, , Samsidh International School HSR, One World International School (Whitefield), Ujjval World School, Presidency School (RT Nagar), Winmore Academy (Whitefield) and Jakkur, Samsidh International School Horamavu and Little Millennium in Bengaluru. 

PETA India also runs a free humane education programme, Compassionate Citizen, designed to help school students aged 8 to 12 years better understand and appreciate animals. It has been used by over 2 lakh schools and reached approximately 9.3 crore children across India.  

Ellie will be in Bengaluru from 11 February to 24 February. Educators who would like Ellie to visit their schools can write to Meenakshi Narang at [email protected].