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

On 04 December, Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ School 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 Jaipur. Ellie captivated young 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 excited to meet Ellie, the mechanical elephant, who helps teach kindness and care for animals,” “Thanks to Ellie and PETA India, students now understand that real elephants should live freely in their natural homes, not in chains or being mistreated. The lessons learned from Ellie will hopefully inspire them to advocate for the humane treatment of all animals.” – Principal Mrs. Archana Mankotia.

Captive elephants used for entertainment are frequently taken from their families and natural habitats, subjected to harsh training methods, and controlled with ankuses—heavy batons tipped with sharp steel points. This treatment instils fear and pain. Over time, many elephants exhibit abnormal behaviours due to prolonged confinement and are often deprived of sufficient food, water, and veterinary care.

Since May 2023, Ellie has reached over 142,500 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 schools across Jaipur.

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 Jaipur from 4 to 16 December. Educators who would like Ellie to visit their schools can write to Meenakshi Narang at [email protected].