Pink elephant in Jaipur goes viral; outrage erupts and photographer breaks silence

A foreign photographer has come under criticism after a Jaipur photoshoot featuring a real elephant painted in bright pink went viral on social media.

The images and behind-the-scenes video, shared by photographer Julia Buruleva on Instagram, have triggered a debate around animal welfare and the limits of artistic expression.

Photoshoot concept and execution

Julia Buruleva documented the process of the shoot, explaining that the idea was developed after spending several weeks in Jaipur. She said elephants are an important cultural symbol in Rajasthan and decided to incorporate one into her visual concept.

According to her, the shoot involved significant preparation, including visiting multiple elephant facilities, coordinating permissions, and scouting locations suitable for photography. She also described challenges related to permits, heritage restrictions, and finding a suitable setting, which ultimately led to the shoot being conducted at an abandoned temple.

The photographer stated that the elephant was painted using organic and locally sourced colours, which she claimed were safe and similar to those used during festivals. She also clarified that the session was conducted with cooperation from the animal’s handlers.

Social media backlash and concerns

The images sparked strong reactions online, with many users questioning the ethical implications of using a live animal for a styled photoshoot. Critics argued that even if non-toxic materials were used, the process may still cause stress to the animal.

Some users said the situation could have been avoided by using digital tools such as AI or photo editing instead of involving a live animal. Others raised broader concerns about animal welfare, cultural sensitivity, and the normalisation of using animals as props for content creation.

Photographer’s response

In response to the criticism, Buruleva told HT.com that no harm was intended or caused to the animal. She emphasised that the paint used was safe, non-toxic, and washable, and that the shoot duration was brief.

She also stated that her work focuses on interacting with real environments and living subjects rather than relying solely on digital methods. According to her, the aim of her artistic approach is to maintain a respectful and mindful connection with nature while creating visual content.

The incident has sparked a wider discussion on social media about the ethical boundaries of photography, the treatment of animals in creative industries, and whether stricter guidelines should apply to such practices. While some defend the shoot as artistic expression conducted with consent and care, others argue that animal welfare should take precedence regardless of intent.

The debate continues as users weigh creativity against responsibility, highlighting differing perspectives on the use of animals in visual media.