Archive · 21 Sep 2025
Delhi Zoo Elephant Shankar Dies After Years of Isolation
Shankar, the Delhi Zoo's only African elephant, passed away from a suspected heart issue.
He lived alone for many years after his companion died.
Shankar's living situation raised concerns, and the zoo was working on providing a companion, but it did not happen.
Zoo officials tried to improve his life with enrichment activities, and the zoo's WAZA membership was suspended due to animal welfare concerns.
Experts noted that social contact is essential for elephants.
Investigations are ongoing to confirm the exact cause of Shankar's death.
Shankar, the Delhi Zoo's African elephant, died.
Preliminary findings suggest acute heart failure.
He lived in the zoo for over two decades, arriving in 1998.
The zoo sought a companion for Shankar but was unsuccessful.
WAZA suspended the zoo's membership due to welfare concerns.
- Who
- Shankar, an African elephant
- What
- Died of acute heart failure
- When
- September 17
- Where
- National Zoological Park (NZP), Delhi
- Why
- Cause under investigation; final post-mortem report awaited
- Deceased
- Shankar, an African elephant
- Age
- Around 30 years old
- Cause of Death
- Acute heart failure (preliminary)
- Date of Death
- September 17
- Location
- National Zoological Park (NZP), Delhi
- Arrival at Zoo
- 1998
- Zoo Membership Status
- WAZA suspended Delhi Zoo's membership
