Delhi Zoo’s Gentle Giant, Shankar The African Elephant, Passes Away At 29

Last Updated:September 18, 2025, 18:11 IST

Shankar, Delhi Zoo’s only African elephant who was gifted by Zimbabwe, died at 29.

Zoo authorities said the elephant had shown no signs of sickness until September 16.

Shankar, the only African elephant at the Delhi Zoo and a long-time favourite of visitors, has died at the age of 29, zoo officials confirmed. According to the National Zoological Park (NZP), Shankar collapsed suddenly in his shed around 7.25 pm on Wednesday and died despite emergency treatment.

Zoo authorities said the elephant had shown no signs of sickness until September 16. On the morning of September 17, he was observed eating fewer leaves and grasses than usual and had slight loose motion, though he continued to consume fruits, vegetables and concentrates.

Veterinarians provided treatment and placed Shankar under observation but he collapsed later in the day and could not be revived.

“The National Zoological Park, New Delhi, is deeply saddened to inform about the passing of its cherished 29-year-old African elephant, Shankar. Shankar was a symbol of strength, wisdom and love. The void left by his loss will be deeply felt by the zoo team, visitors and the entire conservation community,” the zoo said in a statement.

A post-mortem examination is being conducted by experts from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly. A health advisory committee and a representative from the Union Environment Ministry will be part of the inquiry into the cause of death.

Shankar was gifted to India by Zimbabwe in 1998 and lived at the Delhi Zoo for 27 years. Known for his gentle nature and imposing presence, he had been the zoo’s only African elephant since 2005, following the death of a female companion named Bambai.

In recent years, Shankar suffered recurring health and behavioural challenges linked to musth, a natural condition in male elephants marked by heightened testosterone levels and aggression. During these episodes, Shankar was frequently chained to control his behaviour.

In 2023, he broke part of his enclosure wall during musth, injuring himself and a zookeeper. In 2024, he again entered an extended musth period and was reportedly chained for months, causing chain-burn injuries. The treatment drew international criticism. In October 2024, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) suspended the Delhi Zoo’s membership, citing concerns over Shankar’s welfare.

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