Russian Photographer Starts Support Petition For Herself Amid ‘Pink Elephant Death’ Controversy

A photoshoot that happened back around November in 2025 has turned into a full-blown nightmare for a Russian photographer, finally in March 2026! Julia Buruleva recently took over headlines in India, for all the wrong reasons. During her Indian-visit in 2025, she had done a photoshoot in Jaipur, for which she had painted an elephant pink. The pictures floated around on social media for months, but only a few weeks ago, they turned into a controversy as netizens started pointing out the ‘animal abuse’ that was done in the name of a unique photoshoot.From ‘animal cruelty’ to ‘animal abuse’, Buruleva found herself on the receiving end of multiple accusations. The matter was hardly out of attention when another report came forward, turning the matter further

problematic for the photographer; the elephant passed away in February 2026. As soon as the same came forward, netizens began to connect the gentle giant’s death with the photoshoot and the paint that was done on it.Amid the same, Buruleva came forward and stated that the reason behind the elephant’s death was its “old age”. What further left netizens reacting was a “Support Petition” that Buruleva started– for herself: ‘supportArtistJuliaBuruleva’.Taking to her social media handle, Buruleva asked for support and also gave a hashtag to use. “SHAME ON THE MEDIA spreading false claims for hype — saying that my photoshoot with a pink elephant caused an elephant’s death.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.If this is what you call caring, what kind of humanity is that?If you'd like to SUPPORT me, share this post and use #supportArtistJuliaBuruleva,” the post read.As per NDTV, the elephant was 70-years-old, which is also considered an “advanced age” for an elephant. The gentle giant was a female elephant named Chanchal. Reportedly, Chanchal was from the ‘Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village) area’. Since the animal was aged, it could not be confirmed if the death was connected to the ‘pink’ paint that was done all over it in 2025.As per NDTV, the president of the Hathi Gaon committee, Ballu Khan, revealed that the elephant was coloured using ‘gulal’, which is also what is used during Holi celebrations. Chanchal was then washed off after 30 minutes of applying the colour.Coming back to the photographer’s “Support Petition”, it only got criticised. Check out the viral post:The post was shared on Instagram by the handle ‘Julia Buruleva’. The post was shared today and pulled many views from people.

Internet’s reactions: “Sorry but no, you don't deserve support, it was an elderly elephant that couldn't say if it was in pain or uncomfortable or stressed. Do it to yourself or anyone that wants to do it, animals aren't trophies or toys,” a user said.ALSO READ: Jaipur Elephant Who Was Painted ‘Pink’ In 2025 For Russian Photographer’s Photoshoot– Died A Month Ago! Viral “You abused and elderly elephant just for a photo shoot , that elephant is now gone AND YOU ARE TRYING TO JUSTIFY YOURSELF !?!? Unbelievable,” added another person. “LEAVE ANIMALS ALONE! NO ONE SHOULD HIRE YOU!” added another. “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,” added another.

View this post on Instagram

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