A Russian photographer at the centre of an international backlash over a bright pink elephant photo shoot has said she is receiving death threats, as criticism continues to mount months after the animal’s death.
Julia Buruleva, 47, sparked outrage after images from her project circulated widely in Indian and international media.
It was said that the controversy intensified when it emerged that the 65-year-old Indian elephant used in the shoot died around four months later.
Buruleva has rejected any suggestion that her work contributed to the animal’s death, insisting the elephant died of old age and that there is no evidence linking the photo session to its passing.
Despite that claim, the photographer acknowledged she had been warned the project would be controversial while attempting to recruit local models for the shoot, which involved participants painted pink and posing on the elephant.
In a series of online posts, she described the scale of the backlash she says she is now facing.
Buruleva wrote that she was being inundated with hostile messages, including threats directed at her and people close to her, as the story spread beyond India.
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She said the reaction had been overwhelming, claiming she was receiving messages at a relentless pace and struggled to keep up with what she described as a flood of abuse and death wishes.
The photographer also disclosed that securing models for the project had been difficult, citing cultural sensitivities.
According to her account, many potential participants declined, saying their families would not approve of appearing half-naked and painted for the shoot.
She further disclosed that she contacted dozens of models before finding anyone willing to take part.
Buruleva has maintained that the elephant was not harmed during the process, stating that organic, locally produced paint commonly used in festivals was applied and that it was safe for the animal.
However, the explanation has done little to calm critics as Indian media have reported that Buruleva launched an online petition seeking public support, arguing that she and others involved in the project have been unfairly targeted.
The response to that appeal has been limited, attracting fewer than a hundred shares at the time of reporting.
Many of the comments were sharply critical, accusing the photographer of exploiting an elderly animal for artistic purposes and questioning her attempt to defend the project after the elephant’s death.
Some respondents said animals should not be treated as props or trophies, while others argued that an older elephant could not communicate discomfort or distress during the shoot.
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