00:00Can a robotic elephant replace a real one?
00:02Mechanical elephants are taking over temple rituals in parts of India.
00:07These life-sized robotic elephants can flap their ears,
00:10swish their tails, and even spray water through their trunks.
00:14In the Indian state of Kerala, festivals featuring live elephants remain hugely popular.
00:30But while some see robotic elephants as too unconventional,
00:33others argue live elephants pose serious safety and welfare concerns.
00:38Animal rights organization PETA says many captive elephants face abuse,
00:42and frightened elephants have been involved in deadly stampedes.
00:46What do you think? Are robotic elephants the future of parades and festivals?
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