Kerala: Robotic elephants unveiled at two temples as alternative to live tuskers

Two robot elephants developed by the Voices of Asian Elephants Foundation, a nonprofit organization, are on display at temples in this region, members of the group said Friday.

According to the statement, the robotic elephant named Neelamkulangara Vishnudasan was inaugurated with a ceremony at Panavally Neelamkulangara Sree Narayana Vilasam Sree Maha Vishnu Temple on Thursday.

On the same day, another robot elephant, Omkareswaram Rama Senapathy, was unveiled at the Omkareswaram Sree Rama Subrahmanya Temple in Cherthala.

“Both elephants entered their sanctuaries accompanied by traditional music, rituals and lively celebrations, preserving the sacred spectacle and rich culture of Kerala. This initiative offers a humane and culturally sensitive alternative to live captive elephants,” the statement said.

Robot elephants allow temples to maintain centuries-old traditions while eliminating the pain, stress and public safety risks often encountered in parading live elephants, members of the organization said.

“Young elephants in the prime of their lives are dying at an age when they would have been able to mate, lead and strengthen family bonds in the wild,” said Sangita Iyer, founder and executive director of Voices for Asian Elephants.

“The recent stampede involving Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran and the tragic death of an elephant in a separate incident underscore the urgent need for meaningful reform,” he added.

The two installations designed by Four He-Arts Creations in Chalakudy, under artist Prasanth Prakash, are the third and fourth robot elephants commissioned by the association, the members added.

Robot elephants, 3 meters tall and weighing approximately 500 kg, are made of fiber and rubber to create a realistic appearance.

He also noted that their eyes, ears, bodies and tails move electronically and can safely carry up to four people during rituals and ceremonies, providing magnificence without harm.

The two installations designed by Four He-Arts Creations in Chalakudy, under artist Prasanth Prakash, are the third and fourth robot elephants commissioned by the association, the members added.