Written By: Bhavya Gulati | Updated : November 4, 2025 4:07 PM IST
A 29 year old male African elephant named Shankar which was housed at zoological Park, New Delhi,It has died following what veterinary experts have named it as a rear infection which is believed to be transmitted through rodents. It is a first of its kind case in India.
Shankar arrived in Delhi in 1998 as a diplomatic gift from Zimbabwe and was the zoo's sole African elephant after his female companion passed away in 2001. Over the years, he was kept in a solitary enclosure, which also raised concerns about his welfare.On the morning of September 17, zoo staff noticed Shankar had eaten less and mild loose stools were also noticeable, even though he had been eating enough fruit and vegetables. Right after 7:25 PM, he collapsed in his shed. Despite emergency and intervention, he died by 8pm that night.
According to the post-mortem reports, it says that there was acute heart failure, which is known to be the cause of death and further lab tests are underway at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute , Bareilly to determine the underlying cause. Zoo authorities have also said this could be possible due to rare virus, which has been carried by rodents and that has not been previously documented in an Indian elephant. Veterinary specialists, also believe that Shankar's long years of isolation, chronic stressand possible exposure to construction related disturbances may have compromised his health and made him more in contact with the virus.
In recent years, the zoo faced criticism for Shankar's confinement and chain used during his annual musth phase , it is a condition where bull elephants experience high testosterone and aggression. In October 2024, the world Association of zoo and aquariums WAZA suspended the zoo membership for six months, citing the elephants welfare. Animal welfare activists say Shankar's death which underlined the urgent need for better captive animal standards. Research also shows that African elephants are highly social and may face severe psychological, physiological and health consequences when isolated long-term.
Overall, as the zoo awaits full laboratory, confirmation of the viral findings and official enquiry, including the zoo health advisory have been put into order. The findings may trigger broad scrutiny of wildlife disease risks in Indian captive animal settings, especially when rodent control, stress, mitigation, and social welfare protocols are weak.Shankar's passing is a reminder of the fragile intersection of animal welfare, zoom management, and disease psychology, and what can go wrong with any of these are weak.
