02/04/2026
Let’s call things by their proper names:
spreading the accusation that a photographer “killed an elephant with paint” without evidence is not animal protection — it is a media-driven witch hunt.
There is no confirmation that the elephant’s death was caused by this photoshoot. According to statements from the owner, the elephant was an elderly animal, around 70 years old, who died of natural age-related causes months after the shoot. A number of reports also state that no evidence has been found linking the photoshoot to the elephant’s death.
Julia Buruleva is a truly talented photographer who creates striking, unforgettable images and approaches every photoshoot with seriousness, care, and professionalism. Her work is never careless — it is thoughtful, precise, and built on a strong artistic vision. She having learned about the culture of Jaipur, where elephant painting is a cultural tradition, decided to capture and organize this event. She spent six weeks searching for people and organizing everything. Only natural paints were used for the elephant to create this unforgettable photo shoot.
You can debate the ethics of the shoot.
You can discuss the use of animals in tourism, art, and media.
But turning an unverified version into a “fact,” fueling hatred, and sending threats to a person — that is no longer about morality or animal welfare. It is about aggression, hypocrisy, and the desire to stage a public ex*****on without evidence.
What is especially cynical is when media outlets first inflate a scandal for clicks and attention, and then people start repeating those headlines as if they were established truth. Even organizations criticizing the situation speak about an investigation and concerns — not about a proven causal link between the photoshoot and the animal’s death.
If you truly care about truth, start with facts.
If you truly care about animals, do not replace the real issue with cheap hysteria.
Here we publish a selection of the artist’s works.
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