Russian photographer Julia Buruleva has broken her silence over the controversy surrounding a viral “pink elephant” photoshoot, rejecting allegations of animal cruelty and launching an online support campaign amid mounting backlash. The row began after images of an elderly elephant named Chanchal, painted pink for a staged shoot, circulated widely on social media and triggered public outrage.

The controversy intensified after reports surfaced that the elephant had died, leading many online users to draw a direct connection between the photoshoot and the animal’s death. However, local handlers and officials have maintained that there is no confirmed evidence linking the photoshoot to the elephant’s demise. According to available information, Chanchal was between 65 and 70 years old, an advanced age for elephants, and is believed to have died due to natural causes.

The elephant’s owner, Sadiq Khan, also denied any link between the photoshoot and the death, stating that the coloured powder used during the shoot was not harmful. Despite these clarifications, the issue has continued to gain traction online, with critics questioning the ethics of involving an elderly animal in a stylised and potentially stressful activity for visual content.

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Responding to the criticism, Julia Buruleva issued a detailed statement defending her actions and accusing sections of the media and social platforms of spreading misinformation. She reiterated that the elephant’s death occurred months after the shoot and was unrelated, and described the allegations as “false claims for hype.” The photographer also revealed that she has received threats and abusive messages since the controversy escalated.

In an unusual move, Buruleva has launched an online petition seeking public support, urging followers to amplify her message through the hashtag campaign backing her position. She called on supporters to counter what she described as a wave of harassment and unverified narratives, arguing that speculation has been presented as fact without sufficient evidence.

Despite her appeal, criticism has persisted, with many users maintaining that the core issue extends beyond the cause of death. Animal rights concerns have been raised under laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, with critics arguing that using animals for such shoots can raise serious ethical and legal questions. The incident has thus evolved into a broader debate on animal welfare, media accountability, and the responsibilities of artists in public spaces.

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