03:19Have you herd? Indian temple replaces live elephants with giant robotic replica
A temple in Kerala is replacing its live elephants with a life-size robotic replica for cultural events and festivals, as seen in footage captured on Saturday.
"Because of its popularity, our elephant is now attending temple festivals, events, and ceremonies around this region, "said a trustee at the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple.
The robotic elephant was made with an iron skeleton and rubber skin. It stands at over three metres tall, weighs around 800 kg and can move its eyes, ears, trunk and tail.
"Like other elephants, this can participate in all temple rituals. Ceremonies and four people can be on top of this elephant. It can move its ears, trunk, eyes, and tail. So almost all activities are similar to a living elephant," the trustee added.
Donated to the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple by activist group PETA, the animatronic jumbo was created to address growing animal welfare concerns.
Many animal rights groups have criticized the practice of keeping elephants in temples for entertainment purposes, calling it inhumane amid reports of abuse.
In addition, frustrated captive elephants have been known to break free, damage property, cause injury and in some cases, even kill.
It is hoped that the use of robotic elephants will preserve traditions in temples across India, without causing harm to the animals, which are considered sacred in Hindu culture.
03:19A temple in Kerala is replacing its live elephants with a life-size robotic replica for cultural events and festivals, as seen in footage captured on Saturday.
"Because of its popularity, our elephant is now attending temple festivals, events, and ceremonies around this region, "said a trustee at the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple.
The robotic elephant was made with an iron skeleton and rubber skin. It stands at over three metres tall, weighs around 800 kg and can move its eyes, ears, trunk and tail.
"Like other elephants, this can participate in all temple rituals. Ceremonies and four people can be on top of this elephant. It can move its ears, trunk, eyes, and tail. So almost all activities are similar to a living elephant," the trustee added.
Donated to the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple by activist group PETA, the animatronic jumbo was created to address growing animal welfare concerns.
Many animal rights groups have criticized the practice of keeping elephants in temples for entertainment purposes, calling it inhumane amid reports of abuse.
In addition, frustrated captive elephants have been known to break free, damage property, cause injury and in some cases, even kill.
It is hoped that the use of robotic elephants will preserve traditions in temples across India, without causing harm to the animals, which are considered sacred in Hindu culture.