Viral pink elephant photographer issues online petition for herself; claims the animal died of old age

Russian photographer Julia Buruleva has caught the attention of the world through her recent photoshoot. During her visit to India in Nov 2025, the photographer painted an elephant named Chanchal, pink, for her shoot, which received instant backlash. On top of that, when after a few months the animal died, hell broke loose on her! Amid the mounting criticism, contradicting all the negativity she shared her side of the story and has now started a support petition.

Jaipur's Pink Elephant story: An online petition started by Russian photographer as defense

Photographers use different kinds of sets to bring out their creative vision to life. But this time when a living giant was used as a prop and that too layered with colours, animal activists just couldn’t take it. Photographer Julia ideated a striking visual concept for the shoot in Jaipur. Although safe gulal colours were reportedly used, the photoshoot sparked massive backlash when it was shared online. The controversy intensified further when, just a few months after the shoot, the elephant died.

In her defence, Julia stated that the elephant was around 65 years old, and the owner also confirmed that it died due to old age.

But netizens believe that the animal’s death was solely out of cruelty and exploitation. Criticisms flooded the internet so much that the photographer has been receiving death threats. Now taking to social media, she shared her side of the story and pleaded for support. 

She started an online petition for herself that went like, “SHAME ON THE MEDIA spreading false claims for hype - saying that my photoshoot with a pink elephant caused an elephant's death.” She added, “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”.

The post ended with hashtag supportArtistJuliaBuruleva to show her support and help her with the controversy. 

However, this post too received tons of backlashes. One user wrote, “Sorry but no, you dont deserve support, it was an elder elephant that couldnt say if was in pain or uncomfortable or stressed. Do it to yourself or anyone that wants to do it, animals arent trophies or toys”. Another added, “Even if the elephant died of old age, why paint it pink just for a photo? The elephant couldn’t give its consent, right?”

The controversy and defence

The shoot was done at an abandoned Ganesha temple in Jaipur. It featured a model and the elephant both painted in a vivid, solid pink shade. Though  organic, locally made gulal was applied for approximately 10 minutes and washed off immediately after, the picture once posted faced a series of hate comments.

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