Locals are set to gather in the state for the annual Thrissur Pooram parade on Wednesday (29Apr15), but the march will not feature any real elephants after a recent ruling by bosses at the Animal Welfare Board of India.

The inclusion of mammals at the event in previous years caused controversy after the frightened animals ran amok, killing a number of spectators as they tried to escape the loud noises and celebrations.

Now Anderson, an outspoken activist and Honorary Director for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), has reached out to Kerala's Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, to extend her gratitude for the groundbreaking elephant ban.

In a letter sent to the minister, the former Baywatch star writes, "I support this decision with every fibre of my being, and I'd like to offer my support for what is a wonderful opportunity to make (the parade) a stunning, humane spectacle that everyone would talk about and that would garner international praise...

"To respect both the spirit of the festival and elephants who are held captive for human use... I would like to contribute the cost of providing 30 elephants made of bamboo, wood and/or papier mache to replace the live elephants who would have been paraded..."

The minister has yet to respond to the offer.