In India’s southern state of Kerala, some Hindu temples are using life-size robotic elephants in place of live animals for festival events, according to multiple reports. The robotic figures are designed to perform key motions associated with elephants—such as moving ears and tails and spraying water—while functioning as stand-ins for real elephants that are traditionally used during religious processions and celebrations.
The shift is driven in part by growing animal welfare concerns, including allegations of abuse and reports of dangerous incidents involving live elephants. Animal welfare advocates largely support the change, arguing that it can reduce harm to animals and improve safety during public events.
At the same time, the use of robotic elephants also faces criticism from some people who believe that real elephants hold religious and cultural significance and should be used in temple festivals. Coverage from different outlets describes both the popularity of the robotic displays with crowds and the controversy among those who see the replacement of live elephants as culturally sensitive or unnecessary.
Reports focus on Kerala as an example of the broader debate around how technology may be used in religious settings.
