Jaipur Elephant Who Was Painted ‘Pink’ In 2025 For Russian Photographer’s Photoshoot– Died A Month Ago! Viral

Just a few days ago, a Russian Photographer, Julia Buruleva, found herself in the middle of a major ‘animal cruelty and animal abuse’ controversy, after her ‘pink’ elephant photoshoot went viral on social media. If the name hasn't already been given away, allow us to explain: Buruleva, for a ‘Jaipur and the city’s vibrant colour-inspired’ photoshoot, painted an elephant pink. The images later shared online showed a model dressed in pink, sitting on the pink elephant, who was standing in front of a “classic Rajasthani gate”.As soon as the post went viral, netizens began to react, with most being left upset with the idea. The matter was hardly out of headlines when another report came forward; the elephant died a month ago! For those confused,

the photoshoot in question was done in 2025, but it went viral only recently. The photos were shared in December 2025. The elephant, on the other hand, passed away a month ago, in 2026.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.ALSO READ: ‘It’s Animal Abuse, Don’t Glorify It’: Russian Photographer Paints Elephant Pink For Photoshoot In Jaipur!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.As per many, the death of Chanchal had more to do with old age, but the controversy and its timing were still something that raised many eyebrows.Coming back to Buruleva, the 47-year-old photographer was in India when the concept for the photoshoot came to her: “A pink elephant against classic Rajasthani gates.”

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