On the night of September 17, tragedy struck the Delhi Zoo when Shankar, the zoo’s only African elephant, collapsed and died inside his enclosure. At just around 30 years of age — relatively young for an elephant that can live up to 60–70 years in the wild — Shankar’s death is being linked to acute heart failure, as per preliminary findings.
But behind this medical explanation lies a deeper story of loneliness, confinement, and unfulfilled attempts at companionship — one that highlights the urgent need to rethink how we treat wild animals in captivity.
A Life in Captivity
Shankar’s journey began in 1998, when he was brought from Zimbabwe to India as a diplomatic gift, along with a female elephant, Vimbai. But after Vimbai’s untimely death in 2001, Shankar spent over two decades living in solitary confinement.
Attempts were made to find him a companion, with letters sent to African parks in 2010 and discussions held with governments of Zimbabwe and Botswana in later years. Yet, the logistical, financial, and bureaucratic hurdles meant Shankar remained alone — separated even from the zoo’s Asian elephants, with only occasional visual contact and supervised walks.
Efforts at Enrichment — But Never Enough
The Delhi Zoo did try to improve Shankar’s quality of life. His diet was carefully managed, and he was given enrichment tools like tyres, log piles, and interactive feeders. Experts from organisations like Wildlife SOS and Vantara were consulted to suggest improvements, including access to mud beds instead of cement flooring during musth (the annual period of heightened aggression in bull elephants).
But these measures could never replace what elephants need most: social bonds. Research consistently shows that elephants thrive in herds, with companionship being their strongest form of enrichment. A lone elephant, no matter how well-fed or entertained, will always suffer from the absence of its kind.
Stress, Scrutiny, and Controversy
Shankar’s years at the zoo were not without controversy. In 2024, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) suspended the Delhi Zoo’s membership for six months over concerns about his treatment during musth, including a chain burn injury. Activists repeatedly pointed out that despite enrichment measures, the elephant’s isolation amounted to cruelty.
In 2021, a legal battle spearheaded by teenager Nikitha Dhawan brought Shankar’s plight into the spotlight. Though the Delhi High Court did not order his release, it highlighted the larger issue and referred it to a Supreme Court-appointed committee. The committee suggested acquiring two female elephants and one male companion for Shankar, but space constraints, funding issues, and logistical hurdles prevented any progress.
The Silent Toll of Isolation
Experts believe the stress of years in confinement, construction activities, rodent infestations, and long closures of the zoo (including due to bird flu) may have contributed to Shankar’s declining health. Acute heart failure in elephants, though not common, has been linked to stress, poor conditions, and underlying health factors.
Shankar’s death was not entirely unexpected to those who watched him live out his days in solitude. His passing leaves behind not only grief but also hard questions about the ethics of captivity.
What Shankar’s Story Teaches Us
Shankar’s life — and death — serve as a reminder that:
- Companionship is not optional for elephants; it is fundamental to their physical and mental health.
- Enrichment devices can never replace the social bonds of a herd.
- Diplomatic gifting of wild animals leads to decades of unintended suffering.
- Zoos must be held accountable for creating naturalistic, ethical habitats — or rethinking captivity altogether.
A Call for Change
Shankar’s lonely story is not just about one elephant — it represents the silent suffering of countless animals kept in isolation under the banner of “education” or “conservation.” His death should push policymakers, conservationists, and citizens alike to ask: Do animals truly belong in captivity, or should our focus shift to protecting them in the wild?
For animal rights advocates, Shankar’s legacy is clear: let his life in solitude be the last of its kind.
👉 At animalrights.in, we emphasize that wildlife conservation is not only about public zoos or forests—it’s also about ensuring responsible stewardship wherever animals are kept, whether in private sanctuaries, wildlife parks, or rehabilitation centres. Every inquiry, audit, and investigation should reaffirm that animals are treated with care, respect, and dignity.
