Jaipur, April 1, 2026: The elephant that appeared in a controversial photoshoot in Jaipur after being painted bright pink died last month, its owner has confirmed, sparking fresh discussion around the viral incident that had triggered widespread outrage online.
The elephant, named Chanchal, was around 65–70 years old and had been living at Jaipur’s Hathi Gaon. According to local handlers and officials, the animal died in February due to age-related causes, and there is currently no evidence linking its death to the photoshoot that recently went viral on social media.
Viral Photoshoot Sparked Animal Welfare Debate
The controversy began after images of a photoshoot by a Russian photographer, Julia Buruleva, surfaced online. The photos showed a model posing beside and atop an elephant that had been painted a vivid pink color. The shoot reportedly took place near an abandoned temple location in Jaipur.
The visuals quickly spread across social media platforms, attracting both praise for their artistic style and criticism from animal welfare advocates. Many users accused the project of exploiting an animal for aesthetic purposes and questioned the ethics of using live animals in staged artistic productions.
Some critics argued that the same effect could have been achieved using digital tools or artificial intelligence rather than involving a real elephant.
Owner Says Organic Gulal Was Used Briefly
Following the backlash, the elephant’s owner stated that only organic “kaccha gulal” (powdered color) was applied to the animal and that it remained on the elephant for a short time before being washed off. According to the owner, the entire coloring process lasted about 10 minutes during the shoot.
Handlers also emphasized that the elephant was not used for tourist rides and was under the care of its longtime keepers. They insisted the photoshoot did not cause harm to the animal.
Photographer Defends the Project
Photographer Julia Buruleva defended the project after facing criticism online. She said the shoot was inspired by Jaipur’s distinctive pink architecture and cultural symbolism, noting that elephants frequently appear in the region’s art and traditions.
Buruleva also said the paints used during the shoot were organic and locally sourced, claiming they were similar to colors used during traditional festivals in India.
Investigation and Ongoing Debate
The controversy has also drawn attention from authorities. Rajasthan forest department officials reportedly took note of the viral images and said the matter would be examined to determine whether wildlife protection rules or animal welfare norms were violated.
Animal rights activists argue that even temporary use of paints or staged performances can cause stress to elephants and have renewed calls for stricter regulation of activities involving animals in tourism and artistic projects.
A Wider Conversation on Animal Welfare
While officials maintain that Chanchal’s death was likely due to natural causes linked to old age, the viral photoshoot has reignited a broader debate about animal rights, ethical tourism, and responsible creative practices.
As discussions continue online and among activists, the incident has highlighted growing public sensitivity toward how animals are treated in entertainment, tourism, and visual media.