The Pink Elephant Photoshoot Went Viral, Now Its Death Has Sparked Anger
Nidhi | Mar 31, 2026, 15:48 IST
Jaipur elephant who was painted pink in 2025 for russian photographer julia buruleva photoshoot died a month ago! viral
Image credit : Times now
The viral pink elephant photoshoot in Jaipur is back in the spotlight after the elephant featured in the images reportedly died. While officials say the elephant died of old age, the controversy has reignited debates around animal cruelty, ethics, and the use of animals in art and social media content.
What began as a visually striking photoshoot in Jaipur has now turned into a larger debate about animal cruelty, ethics, and the limits of art.
A few months ago, images of a bright pink elephant standing beside a model in Jaipur went viral across social media. Many people called the pictures beautiful, artistic, and unique. But after news emerged that the elephant featured in the shoot has died, those same photos are now being viewed in a very different light.
The controversial shoot was created by Russian photographer Julia Buruleva in Jaipur. The images showed a model dressed in pink sitting on top of an elephant that had also been painted entirely pink. The shoot took place inside an abandoned temple and quickly gained attention online because of its unusual visuals.
According to the photographer, Jaipur’s identity as the “Pink City” inspired the idea. She said elephants are a major symbol of Rajasthan, which is why she wanted one to be part of the project. She also claimed that only organic, locally made colours were used and that the paint was washed off soon after the shoot.
The elephant involved in the shoot was named Chanchal. Reports say she was around 70 years old and died last month. Local handlers and officials have clarified that there is no confirmed link between her death and the photoshoot, and that she likely died due to old age.
Even though there is no proof that the shoot caused her death, the timing has made people look at the photoshoot differently. What was earlier seen as a creative visual is now being called an example of animals being used as props for social media and artistic attention.
The backlash is not only about Chanchal’s death. It is also about the idea of painting and using a live elephant for a photoshoot in the first place.
Animal rights activists and social media users have argued that even if the paint was organic and safe, elephants are sensitive animals that can experience stress and discomfort. Many people questioned why a real elephant had to be used at all when the same idea could have been created using editing or AI.
Some users online described the shoot as “animal abuse” and “exploitation,” while others said that beauty should never come at the cost of an animal’s comfort or dignity. Critics also warned that viral content like this can encourage more people to copy similar ideas in the future.
Following the controversy, Rajasthan forest department officials said they would investigate whether any wildlife protection rules were violated during the shoot. The issue has also sparked broader discussions about how animals are treated in tourism, weddings, entertainment, and commercial projects.
The Jaipur pink elephant controversy is no longer just about one photoshoot. It has become part of a larger conversation about where creativity should stop.
Many people believe that art should inspire people without harming or disturbing animals. Others feel that if an image leaves viewers uncomfortable about how it was created, then the beauty of the image begins to disappear.
In the end, Chanchal’s death may not have been caused by the photoshoot. But it has forced many people to ask an important question: when does art stop being creative and start becoming cruel?
A few months ago, images of a bright pink elephant standing beside a model in Jaipur went viral across social media. Many people called the pictures beautiful, artistic, and unique. But after news emerged that the elephant featured in the shoot has died, those same photos are now being viewed in a very different light.
A Viral Photoshoot That Shocked Many
According to the photographer, Jaipur’s identity as the “Pink City” inspired the idea. She said elephants are a major symbol of Rajasthan, which is why she wanted one to be part of the project. She also claimed that only organic, locally made colours were used and that the paint was washed off soon after the shoot.
The Elephant’s Death Changed The Conversation
Even though there is no proof that the shoot caused her death, the timing has made people look at the photoshoot differently. What was earlier seen as a creative visual is now being called an example of animals being used as props for social media and artistic attention.
Why People Are Angry
Animal rights activists and social media users have argued that even if the paint was organic and safe, elephants are sensitive animals that can experience stress and discomfort. Many people questioned why a real elephant had to be used at all when the same idea could have been created using editing or AI.
Some users online described the shoot as “animal abuse” and “exploitation,” while others said that beauty should never come at the cost of an animal’s comfort or dignity. Critics also warned that viral content like this can encourage more people to copy similar ideas in the future.
Officials Have Started Looking Into The Matter
A Bigger Question About Art And Cruelty
Many people believe that art should inspire people without harming or disturbing animals. Others feel that if an image leaves viewers uncomfortable about how it was created, then the beauty of the image begins to disappear.
In the end, Chanchal’s death may not have been caused by the photoshoot. But it has forced many people to ask an important question: when does art stop being creative and start becoming cruel?