Robot elephants replace real animals in the Indian temple

In the Indian state From Kerala, the machines perform rituals traditionally involving elephants in captivity.

Like the real animal, the robot Enclaises its ears, moves its tail and spray water through its trunk. The mechanical elephant measures 11 feet high, weighs 800 kilograms and can transport a person on the back.

Don to Irinjadappilly sree Krishna Temple by Peta IndiaTHE robotic elephant is part of an initiative that aims to approach the question of animal abuse in religious rites. Used for ceremonies, elephants are subject to physical and psychological stressand exposure to flashing lights, strong noises and crowds during festivities can cause uncontrollable reactions in animals, often causing human victims.

Asian elephants, which are a Endangered speciesare an important part of Indian culture. In ancient times, The elephants played a crucial role in the warServing as a force on the battlefield and symbol of power. Beyond their role in war, elephants have also long had a deep cultural and religious importance. In Hinduism, they are considered sacred because of their association with Lord GaneshA Hindu God with an elephant’s head that represents wisdom, the new beginnings and the elimination of obstacles. But here is the paradox – because they are adored, wild animals are captured to occur in religious rituals, But their tame means physical damage, sedation and imprisonment.

Currently, there are around 2,700 captive elephants reported in Indiaand the country Center for Research on Animal Rights (CRAR) recently alerted the chief minister of Kerala On an alarming increase in mortality rates in elephants held in captivity, citing this 138 animals died between 2018 and 2023.