Animal welfare activists in India are mourning the death of a much-loved elephant they long sought to rehabilitate. Shankar, the lone African elephant at Delhi's zoo who spent much of his life in isolation, refused food on Wednesday and collapsed by evening. Despite veterinary efforts, the 29-year-old male died within 40 minutes, officials said.
For 24 years, Shankar endured a lonely existence - including at least 13 spent in solitary confinement. The cause of his death is not known yet. Investigation regarding the cause of death has been ordered, zoo director Sanjeet Kumar told BBC.
Shankar was among two African elephants that arrived in India in 1998 as a diplomatic gift from Zimbabwe to former India President Shankar Dayal Sharma. But Shankar's companion died in 2001, leading to a life of isolation for Shankar.
Despite calls for his relocation to a wildlife sanctuary with other elephants, his situation never improved. Animal activists have criticized his living conditions, describing his enclosure as bleak and inadequate. His death is seen as a consequence of years of neglect and institutional apathy, bringing attention to the welfare of animals in captivity.
The global animal welfare community is also responding, stressing the need for reform and accountability in how zoos care for social animals like elephants. Shankar's tragic story serves as a reminder of the responsibilities zoos have towards their animals and the urgent need for change in animal care practices.
For 24 years, Shankar endured a lonely existence - including at least 13 spent in solitary confinement. The cause of his death is not known yet. Investigation regarding the cause of death has been ordered, zoo director Sanjeet Kumar told BBC.
Shankar was among two African elephants that arrived in India in 1998 as a diplomatic gift from Zimbabwe to former India President Shankar Dayal Sharma. But Shankar's companion died in 2001, leading to a life of isolation for Shankar.
Despite calls for his relocation to a wildlife sanctuary with other elephants, his situation never improved. Animal activists have criticized his living conditions, describing his enclosure as bleak and inadequate. His death is seen as a consequence of years of neglect and institutional apathy, bringing attention to the welfare of animals in captivity.
The global animal welfare community is also responding, stressing the need for reform and accountability in how zoos care for social animals like elephants. Shankar's tragic story serves as a reminder of the responsibilities zoos have towards their animals and the urgent need for change in animal care practices.
