Following the tragic death of Subbulakshmi, a 54-year-old temple elephant in Tamil Nadu, animal rights activists have called for an immediate end to the practice of keeping elephants in temples. Subbulakshmi died from injuries sustained in a fire that engulfed her enclosure, raising concerns about the welfare and treatment of captive elephants. Various animal welfare organizations have petitioned the Tamil Nadu government to phase out live elephants in favor of mechanical alternatives, noting that Subbulakshmi suffered from multiple health issues exacerbated by her captivity. They argue that real elephants belong in the wild, where they contribute to the ecosystem, rather than in temples. The activists have cited previous reports highlighting the poor conditions faced by temple elephants and are advocating for the relocation and rehabilitation of existing elephants. This movement echoes a prior Madras High Court directive aimed at banning future ownership of elephants by private entities and temples due to welfare concerns.