A robotic elephant was handed over to the Shivan Temple in Devarshola in Gudalur in Ooty by an NGO, Voices for Asian Elephants.
These robotic elephants already have been donated to temples across Kerala, to end the often-criticised practice of maintaining the elephants in captivity at temples, often in unhealthy, inhumane conditions.
This is the first such “elephant” to be given to a temple in Tamil Nadu.
There are 25 captive elephants in Kerala died in 2023 alone, and three have died already in 2024.
The robotic elephants will ensure that the culture of the country is still maintained, while also not tormenting elephants by keeping them in captivity.