Varanasi Sunbeam Suncity School Visited by Asia’s First Empathy Building Animatronic Elephant ‘Ellie’, Voiced by Actor Dia Mirza, Courtesy of PETA India

Sunbeam Suncity 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 initiated by PETA India in Varanasi.  Ellie charmed 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.

“Ellie’s visit was a truly enlightening experience for our students. They were enchanted by her lifelike presence and the important message she carries.  Thanks to Ellie and PETA India, students came to understand that elephants belong in the wild—not in captivity. This initiative has sparked meaningful conversations about kindness and respect for all living beings.”  – Dr. Deepak Madhok, Chairperson, Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions.

 

“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 the treatment of animals. We’re proud to support this compassionate and educational effort, and we thank Team PETA for bringing Ellie to our school.” – Mrs. Bharti Madhok, Vice Chairperson, Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions. 

Captive elephants used for entertainment are often separated from their families and natural habitats. They are chained and endure beatings and harsh training methods and are controlled with ankuses—heavy batons tipped with sharp steel points—which instil fear and pain. Over time, many elephants exhibit abnormal behaviours due to loneliness and prolonged confinement and from being 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 or for rides or other cruel events. She’ll now be visiting thousands of students at Sunbeam Bhagwanpur, Indiranagar, Crimson World School, Aryan International School, Delhi Public School, Sunbeam Lahartara, Little Millennium, Sunbeam Varuna and Sunbeam Sarnath.

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].