PETA urges use of mechanical elephants for Bonalu, Muharram in Hyderabad

PETA India urged organisers of Bonalu and Muharram to use mechanical elephants instead of real ones in processions. The organisation has offered lifelike robotic elephants to prevent cruelty and avoid accidents caused by distressed captive elephants during festivals

Hyderabad: Amid incidents of captive elephants turning violent while participating in public processions, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India on Wednesday urged organisers of Muharram and Bonalu to use mechanical elephants for the festivities.

PETA India has offered life-size mechanical elephants to be used in place of real elephants, which would safeguard animals and also protect humans from potential harm caused by agitated elephants. At present, at least 17 mechanical elephants are being used in temples across the country, with PETA India having donated 10 of them.

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Mechanical elephants, which are 3 metres tall and weigh around 800 kg, are made of rubber, fibre, metal, mesh, foam, and steel, and run on five motors. They look, feel, and can be used like real elephants with typical body language.

They can be climbed upon, and a seat can be affixed on the back. They are operated by plugging into electricity and can be taken through the streets. Mounted on a wheelbase, they can be moved and pushed around for rituals and processions, PETA said in a press release.

A few days ago, PETA wrote to officials and trust members involved in Bonalu festivities and Muharram events in the city. Forest officials were also urged to safeguard elephants from unnecessary pain and suffering by denying permission for their transport and use in processions.

• 2025: 10 captive elephants in Kerala killed six people on different occasions

• 2024: 14 incidents of captive elephants harming people reported

• 2004: Elephant Gajalakshmi during Muharram caused panic and endangered lives

• Elephant Madhuri or Mahadevi, for Bonalu and Bibi-ka-Alam, killed a temple priest elsewhere.