An African elephant known as the world’s loneliest has died after contracting a virus believed to be transmitted by rodents. Shankar, a 29-year-old male elephant, passed away on September 17, 2023, at the Delhi Zoo in India. His death came after years of isolation, following the loss of his companion in 2001, which profoundly affected his behavior and mental well-being.
Shankar had been a resident of the zoo since 1998, when he arrived from Zimbabwe as a diplomatic gift to then-Indian President Shankar Dayal Sharma. After his mate’s death, zookeepers attempted to introduce him to other elephants, but they displayed hostility towards him. An unnamed zoo worker described the situation, stating, “He was left friendless.” In 2012, Shankar was moved to a different enclosure, which further isolated him despite a national ban established in 2009 that prohibits keeping elephants alone for over six months.
Following a post-mortem examination, Sanjeet Kumar, the director of Delhi Zoo, confirmed that Shankar died from the encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). This virus can cause severe heart inflammation and, in some cases, neurological issues. It is typically spread through the droppings and urine of infected rodents. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, most EMCV cases have been linked to captive animals in environments such as pig farms and zoos.
Shankar’s case is particularly significant as it marks the first recorded instance of an elephant in India succumbing to EMCV. A senior official from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) acknowledged the possibility of unreported incidents involving other mammals. Despite this, when asked about potential rodent issues at the zoo, director Kumar declined to comment.
Efforts to secure Shankar’s transfer to a sanctuary alongside other African elephants date back to a legal petition submitted in 2021. However, the Delhi High Court rejected the request in 2023, prompting animal rights activists to express their dismay. Following Shankar’s death, Nikita, the petition’s director, stated that his passing was “preventable” and described it as “heartbreaking to see him die like this.”
With Shankar’s passing, only one African elephant remains in India, also living in solitary confinement. Activist Gauri Maulekhi criticized the situation, stating, “An internal inquiry is simply not enough. This must serve as a watershed moment to end the cruel practice of keeping elephants and other social animals isolated in our zoos for good.”
The tragic fate of Shankar highlights the ongoing issues surrounding the care of captive elephants and raises significant questions about animal welfare practices within zoos. As public awareness grows, advocates continue to call for changes that prioritize the social needs of these intelligent creatures.
