A rodent-borne virus led to the death of the only African elephant at the Delhi Zoo, officials confirmed. Shankar, a 29-year-old male elephant, died on September 17 after a life spent in relative isolation. The virus, known as encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), was discovered in an autopsy performed by zoo officials.
EMCV is notorious for causing fatal inflammation affecting the heart and in some cases the brain. Transmitted through the faeces and urine of infected rodents, it poses a threat particularly to captive animals in vulnerable situations.
Shankar's case is notable as previous outbreaks of EMCV have primarily impacted animals in enclosed environments like pig farms and primate research facilities. This death is the first recorded instance of EMCV impacting an elephant in India, raising concerns about the prevalence of such diseases in zoos.
Throughout his life, Shankar was subjected to solitary confinement, a situation that persisted even after efforts from activists aimed at relocating him to environments with other elephants following the tragic loss of his companion in 2001. At the time of his death, he was effectively the last African elephant in India, after a series of failed attempts to provide him with company.
Animal rights activists lament Shankar's plight, expressing sorrow over the delays in implementing bans on keeping elephants alone. Despite a federal directive prohibiting solitary confinement beyond six months, Shankar remained alone for years, intensifying calls for his relocation.
Shankar’s death resonates with broader themes of animal welfare, the ethics of captivity, and the urgent need for better living conditions for wild animals in captivity. The last captive African elephant remaining in India now is also housed alone at Mysore Zoo, which raises ongoing concerns over the treatment of these magnificent creatures.
