Delhi NCR

Delhi zoo’s lone African elephant dies, probe ordered

Published by
PTI

Shankar, the only African elephant at the Delhi Zoo, has died and an investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of death, officials said on Thursday.

Shankar, a male elephant, died on Wednesday night, they said.

Shankar was gifted by Zimbabwe to to then-President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma in 1996. The elephant arrived at the Delhi Zoo in 1998.

Shankar was living alone since 2005, following the death of his companion, another African elephant named Bambai.

Also Read: Global body suspends Delhi zoo membership amid concern over African elephant’s welfare

Delhi Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar said that an investigation has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of death.

“A detailed inquiry will be carried out to determine the reason,” he said.

According to zoo sources, Shankar had not been eating properly for the past few days.

PTI

Published by
PTI
Tags: delhi

Recent Posts

Barsatis: the dream room that shaped modern Delhi

Barsatis, which were once a common sight in the city's various neighbourhoods and housed many…

June 13, 2026

Beer sales up 10% in Delhi this May as popular brands regain shelf space: Excise data

According to data, the share of well-known national beer brands increased to 54 per cent…

June 13, 2026

Sunny morning in Delhi, rain likely

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by rain and gusty winds on…

June 13, 2026

Pamela Mountbatten and her enduring ties with Delhi

Present in Delhi on the night of India’s Independence, the daughter of India's last viceroy…

June 13, 2026

Prince Yadav: After Virender Sehwag, Najafgarh sends another cricketer to Team India

Prince Yadav's journey from tennis-ball cricket to dismissing Virat Kohli in the IPL has culminated…

June 12, 2026

Delhi HC issues notice on Salman Khan’s plea for stay on release of ‘Kala Hiran’

Delhi High Court seeks response from makers of "Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legal" on…

June 12, 2026