NEW DELHI: A life-size mechanical elephant now resides at the Edayar Sree Vadakkumbad Shiva Vishnu Temple. The donation comes from PETA India and actor Vedhika.
The mechanical elephant, named ‘Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan’, was presented to the temple on November 14, Children’s Day. Child actor Sreepath Yan launched the elephant at the temple.
PETA India stated the donation recognises the temple’s decision to stop using live elephants. They hope the mechanical elephant will encourage other temples to follow suit.
“In honour of all the holy animals who wish to wander the land freely and safely with their loved ones, we are honoured to have Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan, a mechanical elephant, join us.” said K Narayanan Namboothiri, Edayar Sree Vadakkumbad Shiva Vishnu Temple president.
This is the fourth mechanical elephant donated to a temple in Kerala by PETA India. The organisation hopes to promote the use of mechanical elephants as a safe and cruelty-free alternative to live animals.