Her name was Chanchal, and she was a 65-year-old elephant. Just six months ago, she had been doused in pink paint for a photo shoot in India, and those shots—which showed her with a model posing on her back—had gone viral around the world, sparking shock and outrage. The animal died last February, reigniting the ongoing debate on the relationship between artistic expression and animal protection.

The elephant was the subject of a photoshoot by Russian photographer Julia Buruleva, who chose the city of Jaipur as the location. The images, which went viral, sparked mixed reactions, fueling an international debate about the appropriateness of using animals in artistic and commercial contexts. Following her death, local authorities launched a series of investigations to clarify the cause of death and determine whether the use of paint may have impacted the animal's health . While awaiting official responses, the photographer and the animal's owner have assured that the elephant died of natural causes, primarily related to her age.

Buruleva also responded to the criticism by emphasizing that painting elephants is a traditional local practice and is still widespread, and that the work on the animals would be quick, carried out with safe materials, and followed by the paint removal shortly after the shoot. According to the photographer, the intent was to document an existing cultural custom, not to introduce improper use of the animal. Despite everything, her comments failed to convince some of the public. Meanwhile, several animal rights groups have reiterated the call for stricter regulations on the use of animals in unnatural contexts, calling for greater protection and monitoring.

(Unioneonline/vf)

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