Indian forest officials have started an investigation following social media outrage over a Russian photographer’s photoshoot for which a 65-year-old elephant was painted bright pink.
Animal rights activists accused Julia Buruleva, a Barcelona-based conceptual photographer, of animal cruelty for painting the tusker in pink colour for a photoshoot in Jaipur city in the western state of Rajasthan.
The images show a woman, coloured in pink, sitting atop the painted elephant at an abandoned Hindu temple. The pictures were initially posted on her Instagram page in December last year, but they sparked outrage this month after going viral on social media.
Ms Buruleva said she had travelled to Jaipur city for an art expedition, saying the idea took shape after weeks immersed in the city’s vivid colours and imagery.
"Elephants are everywhere – streets, ornaments, architecture. Practically the main symbol of Rajasthan," she wrote in a post in February. "They're often decorated for festivals and celebrations – locals paint them in sorts of colours. I decided on one solid bright pink elephant, the most popular colour in Rajasthan," she added.
Ms Buruleva claimed the paint used was organic, similar to colours "used for festivals, so it was absolutely safe for the animal".
One of the most-liked comments on her Instagram post read: "This is not art, this is pure animal abuse and so not ok to glorify it.”
Another user wrote: "Creative freedom is not a free pass for irresponsible expression".
"Would they let you do this in your own country?" read a comment.
Shadik Khan, the elephant’s owner, said the animal named Chanchal was 65 years old at the time of the shoot and was no longer used for rides. Mr Khan added that Chanchal died in February.
He told The New Indian Express that “kaccha gulal” was used to paint the elephant for the 10-minute shoot, which was washed off immediately after, referring to the Hindi term for a powdered colour made from natural materials which washes off easily without leaving any stains.
Forest department officials said they have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an inquiry. Authorities will examine whether permissions were obtained and if animal welfare norms were followed, according to the report.
The Independent has reached out to Julia Buruleva for a comment.
Read MoreIndia denies Elon Musk joined Modi-Trump call on Iran crisis
The law bringing back invasive medical exams for India’s trans community
‘We were told it was safe’: Inside the legal battle over Covid vaccine deaths
Arundhati Roy’s memoir up for Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction as shortlist announced
Pregnant hippo at India zoo mauls 27-year-old trainee vet to death
Asia braces for ‘Covid-like’ crisis as impacts from Iran war fuel shortage widen
