Kannur: The non-profit organisation People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and actor Vedhika gifted a life-size mechanical elephant to the Edayar Sree Vadakkumbad Shiva Vishnu Temple in Kerala's Kannur. The mechanical elephant, named 'Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan', was donated to the temple on Thursday, November 4 on the occasion of Children's Day.The mechanical elephant was launched by child actor Sreepath Yan. "Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan will be used to conduct ceremonies at the temple in a safe and cruelty-free manner, helping real elephants stay with their families in the jungle," PETA said.It is the fourth mechanical elephant to be donated to a Kerala temple by PETA, the statement said. The mechanical elephant was denoted to the temple in recognition of its decision never to own or hire live elephants, PETA stated. Vedhika told reporters that this step will ensure that temple ceremonies are conducted safely and respectfully without needing real elephants, reported PTI.Here Is The Video:

"By embracing this change, we allow these magnificent animals to remain in their natural habitats, living freely with their families. Together, we can celebrate tradition while promoting compassion and conservation," she said, according to the PETA statement.Meanwhile, Yan said that 'Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan' looks exactly like a real elephant. "I am so excited to be part of this historic event," he said, according to the statement.As per the PET statement, Edayar Sree Vadakkumbad Shiva Vishnu Temple president K Narayanan Namboothiri said, "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."Other Hree Kerala temples where these types of mechanical temples are in use are - 'Irinjadappilly Raman' at the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur, 'Mahadevan' at the Thrikkayil Mahadeva Temple in Kochi and 'Baladhasan' at the Pournamikavu Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.( With inputs from PTI)