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

Satya Niketan collapse: Families recall last conversations with victims

Families and friends of those killed in the Satya Niketan collapse recount their last conversations…

September 9, 2026

BRICS Summit: Delhi commuters face traffic ordeal even before summit begins

Motorcade rehearsal triggers major traffic jams across Delhi as commuters face long delays ahead of…

September 9, 2026

Delhi building collapse: Police seek 3-day custody of owner’s son, PG operator, building contractor

The proceedings were held in-camera after Sudhanshu's counsel claimed that "a media trial" was prejudicing…

September 9, 2026

Delhi court acquits man in illicit liquor case, says lack of witnesses casts doubt on recovery

Delhi court acquits man in illicit liquor case, citing doubts over police recovery and lack…

September 9, 2026

Delhi HC seeks WFI’s stand on Phogat’s plea to participate in selection trials for world championship

Delhi HC seeks WFI’s response on Vinesh Phogat’s plea challenging selection trial rules that exclude…

September 9, 2026

29-year-long evasion ends as Delhi Police arrests wanted interstate criminal in Delhi

29-year absconding ends as Delhi Police arrest wanted criminal in Dwarka, man was wanted in…

September 9, 2026