Shankar’s Final Days: The Tragic Loss of Delhi’s Last African Elephant
Tanisha Kumari | Nov 14, 2025, 13:28 IST
shankar
( Image credit : Freepik )
Shankar, Delhi Zoo’s last African elephant, passed away on September 17th after contracting the rare and deadly Elephant Endotheliotropic Myocardial Virus (EMCV). Gifted from Zimbabwe, Shankar spent decades in captivity without a companion due to wildlife import restrictions. His tragic death highlights the emotional and physical toll of isolation on captive animals and underscores the urgent need for improved wildlife welfare and conservation practices in India.
Shankar, Delhi's Last African Elephant, came to Delhi Zoo many years ago after being gifted from the African nation of Zimbabwe. He was about twenty-six years old when he arrived and lived most of his life inside the zoo grounds loving the people who came to visit him and being loved by the people same way. Sadly, his story ended in a painful way that left everyone heartbroken.
Shankar passed away on September 17th and his death marked the end of an era for the Delhi Zoo as the zoo had not seen another African elephant in decades which made his loss even harder.
Virus Behind the Tragedy
In his final days, Shankar fell sick. Reports said Shankar had caught a rare and deadly virus Elephant Endotheliotropic Myocardial Virus (EMCV). This virus spreads fast and attacks the heart. It mostly affects young elephants but Shankar’s case showed that even older ones can suffer from it.
Veterinarians and zoo staff tried hard to treat him. Sadly, the virus was too strong. Within days, his health got worse and his heart could not keep up. He passed away quietly leaving behind grief for everyone who loved him.
Studies show that the virus remains hidden inside an elephant’s body and strikes when its immunity becomes weak. That may have been what happened to Shankar making his passing even more heartbreaking.
Shankar showed the first signs of sickness only a few days before his death when he stopped eating and looked tired. Soon after, his condition worsened as the virus spread quickly. The veterinarians tried every possible treatment to save him including blood tests and antibiotics.
Within a week, it became clear that Shankar’s body was not responding to treatment. He was losing strength rapidly. The zoo officials confirmed his death early the next morning and immediately announced it to the public.
That day, visitors and animal activists gathered outside the zoo. Many offered flowers and shared memories on social media. People called it a big loss not just for Delhi Zoo but for the country.
Why Shankar Lived Alone
One question people kept asking after his death was why Shankar lived and died alone. Elephants are social animals that live in herds in the wild as they need emotional connection and companionship.
Delhi Zoo said they tried to find a companion for Shankar but importing or transferring another African elephant was difficult due to strict wildlife rules. So Shankar spent years by himself with only zookeepers and caretakers around him.
Lessons for Wildlife Conservation
Shankar’s story reminds everyone that wild animals need more than just food and shelter. They need company, space and emotional care. Keeping wildlife in captivity means taking big responsibility for their physical and mental health.
Zoos should learn from Shankar’s tragedy and focus more on natural living conditions. When animals are kept closer to their wild environment then they stay stronger and more active. It is also important to teach visitors about animal behavior and the problems of isolation.
By improving animal welfare and boosting conservation awareness India could make sure that no other animal faces the same fate as Shankar.
In Shankar’s death leaves behind a deep void in Delhi Zoo and in the hearts of those who loved him. His life teaches people how fragile and precious wildlife is. Though his days ended sadly, his story continues to inspire a better future for animal care in India.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
Shankar passed away on September 17th and his death marked the end of an era for the Delhi Zoo as the zoo had not seen another African elephant in decades which made his loss even harder.
Virus Behind the Tragedy
elephant
( Image credit : Pixabay )
Veterinarians and zoo staff tried hard to treat him. Sadly, the virus was too strong. Within days, his health got worse and his heart could not keep up. He passed away quietly leaving behind grief for everyone who loved him.
Timeline of His Illness
Within a week, it became clear that Shankar’s body was not responding to treatment. He was losing strength rapidly. The zoo officials confirmed his death early the next morning and immediately announced it to the public.
That day, visitors and animal activists gathered outside the zoo. Many offered flowers and shared memories on social media. People called it a big loss not just for Delhi Zoo but for the country.
Why Shankar Lived Alone
first signs of sickness
( Image credit : Pixabay )
One question people kept asking after his death was why Shankar lived and died alone. Elephants are social animals that live in herds in the wild as they need emotional connection and companionship.
Delhi Zoo said they tried to find a companion for Shankar but importing or transferring another African elephant was difficult due to strict wildlife rules. So Shankar spent years by himself with only zookeepers and caretakers around him.
Lessons for Wildlife Conservation
Zoos should learn from Shankar’s tragedy and focus more on natural living conditions. When animals are kept closer to their wild environment then they stay stronger and more active. It is also important to teach visitors about animal behavior and the problems of isolation.
By improving animal welfare and boosting conservation awareness India could make sure that no other animal faces the same fate as Shankar.
In Shankar’s death leaves behind a deep void in Delhi Zoo and in the hearts of those who loved him. His life teaches people how fragile and precious wildlife is. Though his days ended sadly, his story continues to inspire a better future for animal care in India.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!