Actually, you know what they should've done? Give that elephant big tusks with spikes on them, put warriors in make up and ear rings on the top, and send a Rohan charge around its legs. Now THAT would've been cool. :lol:
I think it was done with artistic motives, which if true, is very cool! Look at the artistry of those puppet! That's something you dont' see everyday, but boy do I wish I could!