VFAE Launches ‘Shiva Shakthi’ – A Robotic Elephant

THRISSUR:
In response to the ongoing crisis surrounding captive elephant welfare and public safety in Kerala, Voices for Asian Elephants (VFAE) has launched Shiva Shakthi, a life-sized robotic elephant, at Chakkamparambu Sree Bhagavathi Temple near Mala, Thrissur. This pioneering initiative offers a humane and culturally sensitive alternative, allowing temples to uphold sacred traditions without the cruelty and dangers associated with live elephants. VFAE is now accepting requests from temples seeking to adopt their own robotic elephant, which the organization will consider sponsoring.

The launch of Shiva Shakthi comes as Kerala grapples with a surge in tragic incidents involving captive elephants. In just two months of 2025, six people have lost their lives due to captive elephant-related incidents. A festival in Koyilandi, Calicut district, turned into a tragedy, leaving three people dead and 50 injured when two distressed elephants, tormented by fireworks and exhaustion, panicked. Another captive elephant in Thrissur gored his mahout and ran 14 kilometers in distress before being recaptured. In 2024 alone, 24 captive elephants died due to neglect, mistreatment, and disease. Over the past six years, 154 elephants have perished in Kerala, alongside countless human casualties.

“We have an opportunity to rewrite history, to lead the way in compassionate traditions. The high-tech, high-touch robotic elephant is the future—it allows us to preserve our sacred customs while upholding the values of ahimsa (non-violence) that are deeply rooted in our culture. This is not about abandoning tradition; it is about evolving with wisdom and kindness. If we truly respect our heritage, then we must embrace progress that honors all living beings—human and elephant alike,” said Sangita Iyer, Founding Executive Director of VFAE.

Shiva Shakthi stands 10 feet tall, weighs 600kg, and is crafted from fiber and rubber, offering a lifelike presence. Its eyes, ears, tail, and trunk move electrically, and it can even carry up to four people, ensuring temples can conduct rituals without inflicting suffering. The robotic elephant was designed by Four He-Arts Creations in Chalakudi, marking a breakthrough in ethical festival practices.

“We believe in the concept of robotic elephants, and we’re seeing increasing awareness among temples regarding the ethical concerns and safety risks posed by live elephants. We are deeply grateful to Voices for Asian Elephants for their generous sponsorship of Shiva Shakthi,” said C.D. Sreenath, President of Vijnanadayini Sabha, the public trust managing Chakkamparambu Sree Bhagavathi Temple.

This initiative follows the successful pilot project at Sree Sankaran Kovil, where VFAE introduced Tamil Nadu’s first robotic elephant. More temples are recognizing that tradition does not need to come at the cost of cruelty.

Beyond addressing captive elephant welfare, VFAE is also committed to protecting wild elephants. VFAE’s dedication extends far beyond temple festivals. The organization has Donated 4 acres of private land in Kerala’s South Nilambur, securing a vital corridor for 340 wild elephants. Prevented 1,139 train-elephant collisions in West Bengal using AI-driven EleSense technology. Planted 50,300 elephant-friendly trees, restoring habitats while employing 200+ tribal individuals in Odisha.

V. K Venkitachalam Secretary -Heritage Animal Task Force, Thrissur attended the ceremony representing VFAE.