Delhi Zoo’s beloved African elephant Shankar, a 29-year-old gentle giant, passed away suddenly on Wednesday evening, leaving the entire zoo community heartbroken. Wildlife experts from Bareilly’s Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) have now joined a high-level investigation to uncover the mystery behind his death.
Shankar collapsed in his enclosure around 8 p.m. after showing signs of reduced appetite for a few days. Zoo officials noticed he was eating less leaves and grass that morning, with mild loose motions, but he still enjoyed his fruits, vegetables, and concentrates. The veterinary team jumped in with immediate treatment and kept a close watch, but things took a tragic turn at 7:25 p.m. when he fell. Despite emergency efforts, Shankar couldn’t be saved. Up until Tuesday, he seemed perfectly healthy with no unusual behavior.
A team from IVRI Bareilly, along with the zoo’s health advisory committee and a Ministry of Environment representative, is now conducting a detailed post-mortem. They’ll collect samples for further tests before disposing of the remains as per protocol. This thorough probe aims to figure out what went wrong with the African elephant’s health.
Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar shared the emotional side, saying, “Shankar symbolized strength, wisdom, and love. He was deeply cherished by our staff, visitors, and the whole conservation world. His absence will leave a huge void.” Shankar had been a star at the National Zoological Park for 27 years, arriving from Zimbabwe in November 1998. Visitors loved his majestic yet calm demeanor, making him a favorite among the crowds.
The Delhi Zoo, run by the Central government’s Environment Ministry, is home to over 1,300 animals from 130 species across its sprawling 176-acre campus. Every year, more than 20 lakh wildlife enthusiasts flock here to see these amazing creatures up close. As the investigation continues, fans of Shankar and animal lovers everywhere are hoping for answers on this heartbreaking loss in the world of elephant conservation.
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