Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Rare Rodent-Borne Virus Killed Delhi Zoo's Lone African Elephant
A big elephant named Shankar, who lived alone at the Delhi Zoo, sadly passed away.
He was 29 years old and had come from Zimbabwe a long time ago.
Doctors found out he died from a very rare sickness called EMCV.
This sickness is spread by tiny animals called rodents, like mice and rats.
It can make animals very sick very suddenly, and it's hard to even see that they are unwell beforehand.
Shankar showed a few mild signs that morning, like not eating as much, but he seemed okay.
Then, he suddenly collapsed in his home at the zoo and sadly, he couldn't be saved.
This is the first time this specific sickness has been found in an elephant at a zoo in India.
The zoo is trying to deal with the rodent problem, but it's hard because the elephant's home is an open space.
Shankar, a 29-year-old lone African elephant at Delhi Zoo, died on September 17.
An autopsy report revealed the cause of death was the rare rodent-borne Encephalomyocarditis Virus (EMCV).
This is the first reported case of EMCV causing death in an Indian zoo.
The virus has no visible symptoms and leads to sudden death, making it difficult to detect or prevent.
Rodent control is a significant challenge for the zoo, as they are carriers of the virus.
- Who
- Shankar, a 29-year-old lone African elephant at Delhi Zoo.
- What
- Died from the rare rodent-borne Encephalomyocarditis Virus (EMCV).
- When
- September 17.
- Where
- National Zoological Park in Delhi.
- Why
- Contracted EMCV, a virus transmitted by rodents, which caused sudden death with no visible prior symptoms.
Zoo Authority Perspective
Speculation/Past Concerns
Cause of Death
Zoo Authority Perspective
Shankar died from Encephalomyocarditis Virus (EMCV), a rare rodent-borne disease with no visible symptoms and no vaccine.
Speculation/Past Concerns
While not directly opposing the cause, sources mentioned Shankar lived in solitary confinement for 13 years and received multiple recommendations for a mate, raising questions about his well-being prior to death.
Rodent Control
Zoo Authority Perspective
Rodents are present and difficult to control in open enclosures; they are attracted to feed left for only a few hours, and their presence is a major challenge.
Speculation/Past Concerns
The rodent menace is highlighted as one of the biggest issues yet to be fully tackled, implying past shortcomings in its management.
- Elephant's Name
- Shankar
- Species
- African Elephant
- Age at Death
- 29 years old
- Date of Death
- September 17
- Cause of Death
- Encephalomyocarditis Virus (EMCV)
- Origin
- Zimbabwe
- Reported Cases
- First case of EMCV in an Indian zoo
