Jaipur: Russian artist Julia Buruleva has sparked fresh controversy after launching a support campaign for herself following widespread outrage over a photoshoot involving a painted elephant.
The incident centres around Chanchal, a 65-year-old elephant, which was painted pink for a shoot in November 2025. The animal died a few months later in February, intensifying criticism and raising concerns about animal welfare practices.
Viral visuals trigger outrage
Images of the elephant covered in pink colour quickly went viral on social media, leading to accusations of animal cruelty against those involved in the shoot.
The backlash grew stronger after news of the elephant’s death surfaced, although its owner, Sadiq Khan, stated there was no connection between the photoshoot and the animal’s death, attributing it to old age.
Artist defends herself
In response to mounting criticism, Buruleva took to Instagram to defend her actions, asserting that the elephant’s death was unrelated to the photoshoot.
She accused media outlets of spreading misinformation and claimed that she had been subjected to online abuse, including threats.
“There is evidence confirming that the elephant died of old age many months after the shoot,” she said, urging people to stop linking the incident to her work.
Buruleva also launched a social media appeal, asking supporters to share her post using the hashtag “supportArtistJuliaBuruleva”.
Social media reacts strongly
However, her appeal has been met with intense backlash online. Social media users have criticised the very act of involving an elderly animal in a stylised photoshoot, regardless of the cause of death.
Many argued that animals should not be subjected to stress or cosmetic alterations for creative purposes. Several comments accused the artist of prioritising content creation over animal welfare.
Criticism has come from across the globe, with many users questioning ethical standards in such shoots and calling for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws.
Animal welfare concerns raised
The controversy has reignited discussions around the treatment of animals in entertainment and photography. Activists have pointed out that even non-toxic substances or seemingly harmless practices can cause stress and discomfort, particularly for older animals.
Experts often emphasise that animals cannot communicate distress in ways humans easily understand, making it essential to exercise caution and ethical responsibility.
Conclusion
While Julia Buruleva continues to defend her actions, the incident has highlighted broader concerns about animal welfare and ethical boundaries in creative industries. The strong public reaction reflects growing awareness and sensitivity towards the treatment of animals.
As debates continue, the case serves as a reminder of the need for stricter guidelines and accountability when animals are involved in artistic or commercial activities.