Artist At Centre Of Pink Elephant Row Breaks Silence, Starts Support Campaign: "False Claims For Hype"

The controversy surrounding the viral 'pink elephant' photoshoot has taken a fresh turn, with Russian photographer Julia Buruleva launching an online petition seeking public support for herself. Notably, the row started when an elderly elephant named Chanchal was painted pink for a staged photoshoot in Jaipur. Images from the shoot quickly went viral, triggering widespread outrage on social media, with many users accusing the team involved of animal cruelty. The backlash intensified after reports emerged that the elephant involved in the photoshot had died. The unfortunate development led to a fresh wave of criticism, with many online users drawing a direct connection between the photoshoot and the animal's death.

However, as NDTV reported earlier, there is no confirmed evidence linking Chanchal's death to the photoshoot. According to local handlers and officials, the elephant was between 65 and 70 years old, considered an advanced age, and is believed to have died due to natural causes. The animal's owner, Sadiq Khan, has also stated that there was no connection between the use of coloured powder during the shoot and the elephant's death.

Despite these clarifications, social media backlash has intensified. Buruleva's recent Instagram posts have been flooded with critical comments, with some users going as far as accusing her of causing harm to the animal.

 A petition for Support

Responding to the allegations, Buruleva shared a detailed post defending herself. She reiterated that the elephant died of old age and strongly criticised what she described as misleading media coverage and the spread of unverified claims online. The photographer also revealed that she has been receiving death threats in the wake of the controversy.

In an unusual move, Buruleva has now launched a support petition for herself, urging followers to amplify her message using the hashtag #supportArtistJuliaBuruleva. She called on supporters to counter what she sees as a wave of misinformation and harassment.

"There is evidence confirming that the elephant died of old age many months after the shoot - yet speculation is presented as fact. And to those who send hate, threats, and even death wishes — - to me, my friends, models, and followers — this says everything about your values," she wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Julia Buruleva (@julia.buruleva)

However, her appeal has done little to calm the backlash. Many users continue to argue that involving an elderly animal in a stylised shoot, regardless of the cause of death, was ethically questionable. 

One user wrote, "Even if the elephant died of old age, why paint it pink just for a photo? The elephant couldn't give its consent, right? That's the real issue — they can't speak or defend themselves. All for a photo that ends up being cruel."

Another commented, "You abused an elderly elephant just for a photo shoot; that elephant is now gone AND YOU ARE TRYING TO JUSTIFY YOURSELF!?!? Unbelievable."

A third added, "The concern isn't about whether the elephant's death was linked to the shoot or not. The real issue is that elephants are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and using them for photoshoots can raise serious legal and welfare concerns. Owner consent or “non-toxic” paint doesn't automatically make it okay, especially if it involves stress or unnatural handling under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960."