Shankar, an African elephant at the National Zoological Park (Delhi Zoo), died of acute heart failure on the evening of September 17. Preliminary investigations revealed a blood clot in his heart, and efforts are underway to determine the exact cause.
Zoo officials reported that Shankar had been refusing food for two days prior to his death. He consumed fewer leaves and grass but ate fruits and vegetables normally and had mild diarrhoea. He suddenly collapsed in his shed and passed away at 8 p.m. despite emergency treatment.
Shankar was brought to Delhi from Zimbabwe in November 1998. Following the death of his companion Bombay in 2001, Shankar lived alone, showing aggressive behaviour. A High Court directive in July 2022 for a female companion did not materialise.
A post-mortem examination is being conducted by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, along with a health advisory committee and Ministry of Environment representatives. Preliminary reports indicate that the clot could have been caused by a bacterial infection or an herb.
Delhi Zoo Director Dr. Sanjeet Kumar assured that biosecurity, sanitation, and health monitoring of other animals are being strictly enforced. All recent animal and bird samples tested negative for H5N1 avian influenza. The zoo remains alert and will reopen following official guidelines.
