Delhi's lonely African elephant was killed by rare rodent-borne virus
Summary
A rare virus transmitted by rodents caused the death of the only African elephant in Delhi Zoo, India. The elephant, named Shankar, died on September 17, 2023, and tests later confirmed he had encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). The virus can cause heart and brain problems in animals and there is no specific treatment available.Key Facts
- Shankar was a 29-year-old African elephant at Delhi Zoo.
- He died on September 17, 2023, due to EMCV, a virus spread by rodents.
- EMCV can cause severe heart and brain issues in animals and is often fatal.
- The virus has infected animals in various countries since the 1970s.
- Shankar was brought to India from Zimbabwe in 1998 as part of a diplomatic gift but lived alone for many years.
- The virus was first identified in India in the 1960s, but Shankar's death is the first recorded EMCV fatality in Indian elephants.
- Animal activists had sought Shankar's relocation to a sanctuary with other African elephants, but a 2021 court petition for his transfer was dismissed.
- After Shankar's death, only one African elephant remains in India, living alone in Mysore Zoo, Karnataka.
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