Archive · 19 Sep 2025
Delhi Zoo's African Elephant Shankar Dies After Years of Loneliness
Shankar, a lonely African elephant, lived in the Delhi Zoo for many years.
He came from Africa and spent over a decade alone after his companion died.
People tried to help him by asking for him to be moved to a better place or to have companions, even taking the issue to court.
Sadly, Shankar had a very hard time because elephants need friends.
He was showing signs of sadness before he died.
Now, everyone is wondering why Shankar had to live such a lonely life and what could have been done differently.
Shankar, the Delhi Zoo's only African elephant, died on Wednesday.
He arrived in Delhi in 1998 from Zimbabwe as a diplomatic gift.
Shankar lived in solitary confinement for 13 years after his companion died.
He showed signs of stress and faced criticism for inadequate living conditions.
Multiple attempts were made to improve his life, but he remained alone until his death.
- Who
- Shankar, an African elephant.
- What
- Died at the Delhi Zoo.
- When
- Wednesday.
- Where
- Delhi Zoo.
- Why
- Cause under investigation, but years of isolation and stress contributed.
- Name
- Shankar
- Species
- African Elephant
- Age
- 30 years old
- Location
- Delhi Zoo, India
- Death Date
- Wednesday
- Cause of Death
- Under investigation; displayed signs of stress
- Arrival
- 1998, from Zimbabwe