PETA India’s Animatronic Elephant ‘Ellie,’ Voiced by Actor Dia Mirza, Inspires Students at The Grove School in Chennai

The Grove School students experienced a unique visit from Ellie, a remarkably lifelike mechanical elephant. Voiced by actor Dia Mirza, Ellie was part of an empathy-building tour by PETA India that is now in Chennai. Ellie charmed hundreds of the school’s students, mimicking the movements of a real elephant by blinking her eyes and flapping her ears. She narrated an age-appropriate story detailing her traumatic separation from her mother as a baby, the abuse she suffered in a circus, and her eventual rescue and joyful life at a sanctuary.

Left to Right: Ms. S M Sujatha, Principal of The Grove School, Dr. Nanditha Krishna, Chairperson of The Grove School, Meenakshi Narang, Manager of Elementary Education, PETA India.

“Ellie’s visit proved to be an inspiring and educational experience for our students. They were deeply engaged by her realistic presence and the vital message of kindness she brings. Through this initiative by PETA India, students have gained a clear understanding that elephants belong in their natural habitats—not in captivity. Ellie’s presence has encouraged thoughtful discussions on compassion and respect for all living beings.”
– Dr. Nanditha Krishna, Chairperson of The Grove School.

 

“PETA India’s Ellie beautifully conveys that elephants are intelligent and emotional beings who deserve freedom and dignity. Her presence at our school has helped nurture empathy in our students and encouraged them to think deeply about our treatment of animals. We’re proud to support this compassionate and educational effort, and we thank team PETA India for bringing Ellie to our school.”
– Ms. S M Sujatha, Principal

Captive elephants used for entertainment are often separated from their families and natural habitats. They endure harsh training methods and are controlled with ankuses—heavy batons tipped with sharp steel points—which instill fear and pain. Over time, many elephants exhibit abnormal behaviours due to prolonged confinement and are frequently deprived of adequate food, water, and veterinary care.

Since May 2023, Ellie has reached over 220,000 young learners across India at various private, public, international, and government schools, sharing the message that elephants should not be used in circuses, for rides, or in other cruel events. She’ll now be visiting thousands of students at The Shri Ram Universal School, Olive Public School, APL Global School, Chennai Public School, CPS Global School, Shraddha Children’s Academy, Sangford School, Little Millennium and Orchids International School.

PETA India also runs a free humane education programme, Compassionate Citizen, designed to help school students aged 8 to 12 years better understand and appreciate animals. It has been used by over 2 lakh schools and reached approximately 9.3 crore children across India.

Educators who would like Ellie to visit their schools can write to Meenakshi Narang at  [email protected].