Shankar, the lone African elephant at Delhi's zoo, has died after a prolonged life of isolation, bringing attention to the pressing concerns surrounding animal welfare in Indian zoos.
Shankar, who was just 29 years old, collapsed after refusing food on Wednesday. Despite veterinary efforts, he passed away within 40 minutes. Officials are still investigating the exact cause of death, with zoo director Sanjeet Kumar stating that no prior signs of illness had been observed.
Shankar's life was marked by solitude after losing his companion in 2001, leading to more than a decade spent in confinement. Initially, he was temporarily housed with Asian elephants; however, that arrangement proved untenable due to aggression between the animals, resulting in Shankar's isolation once again.
For many years, activists advocated for Shankar's transfer to a wildlife sanctuary that could offer companionship and a more natural environment. A petition filed in 2021 sought to relocate him, but the Delhi high court ultimately directed the petitioners to communicate with the committee responsible for animal transfers instead.
Shankar was among the only two African elephants in Indian zoos, the other residing in Mysore. Attempts to find a mate for both elephants have been hindered by bureaucratic challenges, significant costs, and concerns regarding their welfare.
As news of Shankar’s death spread, animal rights groups expressed their outrage, emphasizing the unjust living conditions he endured. Activists like Nikita Dhawan, founder of Youth For Animals, lamented the situation as preventable, highlighting that Shankar was not suffering from any serious health issues.
Calls for systemic change in how zoos manage wildlife have intensified. Gauri Maulekhi, another prominent animal welfare advocate, noted that Shankar's fate was indicative of broader institutional neglect and demanded accountability for his death.
The implications of Shankar's passing underscore urgent needs for reform and enhanced welfare standards within zoos, as well as the ethical considerations surrounding the captivity of inherently social animals.
