Jaipur, March 30, 2026: A foreign photographer has come under heavy criticism on social media after images from a photoshoot in Jaipur showed a real elephant painted bright pink. The pictures, which quickly went viral online, have sparked a widespread debate over animal welfare and the ethics of using animals in artistic projects.
The photoshoot was conducted by travelling art photographer Julia Buruleva, whose images featured a model posing alongside and on top of an elephant that had been completely painted in a vivid pink colour. The shoot reportedly took place at an abandoned temple location in Jaipur and was intended as a visually striking artistic concept inspired by Rajasthan’s culture.
According to the photographer, the idea came after spending several weeks exploring Jaipur and observing how elephants appear frequently in the region’s architecture, art and cultural symbols. She said that elephants are often decorated during festivals in Rajasthan, which inspired her to create a “solid bright pink elephant” for the photoshoot.
Buruleva also clarified that organic, locally sourced colours were used during the shoot and claimed that the elephant was not harmed in the process. She shared behind-the-scenes details of the project, explaining that the preparation involved scouting locations, arranging permissions and visiting several elephant facilities before finding one that agreed to participate.
However, the explanation did little to calm the outrage online. Many social media users criticised the project, saying that using a live animal for aesthetic purposes was unethical and unnecessary. Several commenters argued that artistic freedom should not come at the expense of animal welfare.
Some users pointed out that elephants have sensitive skin and may experience stress from handling, crowds or unusual activities. Others suggested that the photographer could have achieved a similar visual effect using digital editing or artificial intelligence instead of painting a real animal.
Animal welfare advocates also weighed in, noting that elephants used in tourism and entertainment often face exploitation. The controversy has reignited discussions around the treatment of elephants in tourist destinations and whether stricter guidelines should be enforced for activities involving animals.
While a small section of viewers appreciated the creativity and visual impact of the photos, the majority reaction online has remained critical. The incident has once again highlighted the growing global sensitivity around animal rights, ethical tourism, and responsible artistic practices.
As the debate continues on social media, the viral images from Jaipur have become a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic expression and respect for animals.