Kerala temple replaces live elephants with life-sized robotic model in animal welfare move

In a bold move towards animal welfare, the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala has replaced the traditional use of live elephants with a robotic model to perform its rituals, BBC reported.

This change is part of the temple’s commitment to eliminating the use of live animals during religious ceremonies. This shift has drawn attention from animal rights advocates and temple authorities alike.

According to The Indian Express, the 11-foot mechanical elephant, donated by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, is crafted from an iron frame and weighs a staggering 800 kg.

With this innovative approach, the temple hopes to inspire other places of worship in Kerala to follow suit and adopt more humane alternatives for their celebrations.

This marks a significant shift in the treatment of elephants in the region, where the majestic animals have long been part of temple festivities, often facing harsh treatment, including being chained, decorated, and subjected to loud noises during public events.

PETA India, a long-time advocate for animal rights, celebrated the move, calling it an important step in ending the cruelty faced by elephants during festivals.

The organization has been vocal about the suffering of elephants in Kerala, where nearly 2,500 captive elephants are used for various events. Between 2018 and 2023, 138 elephants reportedly died in the state, raising alarm among animal welfare groups about their welfare.

By introducing the robotic elephant, the temple aims to hold rituals without distressing live elephants. The initiative has been supported by activists and celebrities, including actress Parvathy Thiruvothu, who has been vocal about animal rights.

Temple priest Rajkumar Namboothiri expressed optimism and told the Indian Express that authorities were happy to receive the mechanical elephant and hoped this change would encourage other temples to consider robotic elephants for their festivals, signalling a new era of compassion and respect for animals in religious practices.