The lonely life and death of Delhi's only African elephant
Summary
Shankar, an African elephant living in Delhi's zoo, recently passed away after spending years in isolation. He arrived in India in 1998 as a diplomatic gift and became the only African elephant in the zoo after his companion died in 2001. Activists have criticized the zoo's treatment of Shankar and sought his relocation to a sanctuary.Key Facts
- Shankar was one of two African elephants gifted by Zimbabwe to India in 1998.
- He was the only African elephant in Delhi's zoo after his companion died in 2001.
- Shankar lived in isolation for much of his time at the zoo.
- There was a 2009 ban preventing elephants from being kept alone for more than six months.
- In 2021, activists filed a court petition to relocate Shankar to a sanctuary.
- Delhi's high court dismissed the petition in 2023, directing activists to a committee for wild animal transfers.
- Shankar died after refusing food and collapsing, with the cause of death unknown.
- The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums suspended the Delhi zoo's membership in October 2024 over concerns.
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