PETA India gifts life-size mechanical elephant to Kerala temple

Kannur (Kerala):

Non-profit organization People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, in collaboration with actor Vedhika, has gifted a life-size mechanical elephant to the Edayar Sri Vadakkumbad Shiva Vishnu Temple here.

The mechanical elephant, named 'Vadakkumbada Sankaranarayanan', was donated to the temple in honor of its decision to never own or rent live elephants, PETA said in a statement.

The mechanical jumbo was launched at the temple by child artiste Shripath Yan on the occasion of Children's Day on November 14, the statement said.

“Vadakkumbada Sankaranarayanan will be used to conduct ceremonies at the temple in a safe and cruelty-free manner, helping real elephants live with their families in the wild,” PETA said.

This is the fourth mechanical elephant to be donated by PETA to a temple in Kerala, the statement said.

Speaking on the occasion, Vedhika said that this innovative step will ensure that temple ceremonies will be conducted safely and respectfully without the need for real elephants.

According to PETA's statement, they said, “By making this change, we allow these magnificent animals to remain in their natural habitat, living freely with their families. Together, we promote compassion and conservation.” We can celebrate the tradition.”

National award winning child artiste Yan said that 'Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan' looks exactly like a real elephant.

“I am very excited to be a part of this historic event,” he said, according to the statement.

The statement quoted K Narayanan Namboothiri, president of Edyar Sri Vadakkumbad Shiva Vishnu Temple, as saying, “In honor of all the sacred animals who want to roam freely and safely on the land with their loved ones, we at Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan “Feeling honored to have.” , a mechanical elephant, join us.” PETA India further said in its statement that according to data compiled by the Heritage Animal Task Force, captive elephants took the lives of 526 people in Kerala over a 15-year period.

Other life-size mechanical elephants that are already in use in temples in Kerala through the efforts of PETA India are 'Irinjadapilly Raman' at the Irinjadapilly Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur, 'Mahadevan' at the Thrikkayil Mahadeva Temple in Kochi and 'Mahadeva' at Purnamikavu. Baladhasan' temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the statement said.

“PETA India encourages all venues and events using real elephants to switch to live mechanical elephants or other means in place of live animals,” it said.