Watch: Kerala temple deploys 800 kg robotic elephant for performing rituals

In a first initiative to keep elephants in their natural habitat, a temple in Kerala has introduced a life-like giant mechanical elephant for performing rituals.

The mechanical elephant looks so real that anybody can be deceived by its life-like appearance. It is installed at the Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam temple in the Thrissur district.

The mechanical jumbo, named Irinjalakuda Ramachandran, was gifted to the temple by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India with the help of actress Parvathy Thiruvothu.

Watch here.

Talking about the mechanical jumbo’s specifications, it is 10-and-a half feet in height and weight 800 kg. As per reports, it can carry four people at a time. The elephant works on electricity and its head, ears, and mouth all moves just like a real tusker.

PETA India came up with idea after learning that the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple had pledged to not to keep or hire elephants or any other animals for festivities, rituals or any other purpose.

On Sunday, Irinjadappilly Raman's "Nadayiruthal" (a ceremony to offer the elephants to Gods) was held.

PETA India, in a statement, said, "The frustration of captivity leads elephants to develop and display abnormal behaviour. At their wit's end, frustrated elephants often snap and try to break free, running amok and so harming humans, other animals, and property. According to figures compiled by the Heritage Animal Task Force, captive elephants killed 526 people in Kerala in a 15-year period. The chikkattukavu Ramachandran, who has been held captive for about 40 years and is one of the most often used elephants in Kerala's festival circuit, has reportedly killed 13 individuals- six mahouts, four women, and three elephants".

PETA also urged other temples to use mechanical elephants instead of using real tuskers.  

Elephants are an essential part of any festivities conducted in Kerala temples. And festivities are considered incomplete without tuskers. Due to which several elephants were tamed and kept in the temple premises far from their natural habitat.

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In November last year, a female elephant of Sri Manakula Vinagayar temple collapsed on the road and died. The female elephants was just 32-year-old.