PETA and other nonprofits have donated about 40 robotic elephants, costing about $6,000 each

In India's southern state of Kerala, robotic elephants are replacing live ones in temple festivals

CHALAKUDY, India (AP) — The life-size robotic elephants in Prasanth Prakashan's backyard workshop have ears that flap, tails that swish and trunks that squirt water.

In India’s southern state of Kerala, robotic elephants are replacing live ones at some temple festivals. Rising concerns about elephant abuse and dangerous incidents led to the…

PETA and other nonprofits have donated about 40 robotic elephants, costing about $6,000 each

The animatrons, crafted from fibreglass, iron and rubber, are intended to take the place of live elephants in Hindu temples.