World’s Loneliest Elephant Shankar Dies After Virus Battle

The African elephant known as the world’s loneliest elephant, Shankar, has died at the age of 29 after contracting a fatal virus. His passing on September 17, 2023, has reignited calls for the better treatment of elephants in captivity, particularly regarding their social needs.

Shankar spent most of his life in isolation at Delhi Zoo in India, following the death of his companion in 2001. Efforts to introduce him to other elephants were met with aggression, leaving him without companionship for many years. Zookeepers noted a significant change in Shankar’s behaviour after the loss of his mate, highlighting the emotional toll of his solitary existence.

The elephant was originally brought to India in 1998 as a diplomatic gift from Zimbabwe to then-President Shankar Dayal Sharma. In 2012, he was moved to a new enclosure, further isolating him, despite a 2009 regulation prohibiting the solitary confinement of elephants for more than six months.

Following a post-mortem examination, it was confirmed by Delhi Zoo director Sanjeet Kumar that Shankar had contracted encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). This virus, which can cause severe heart inflammation and brain fever in mammals, is typically transmitted through the droppings and urine of infected rodents. The MSD veterinary manual indicates that EMCV is often associated with animals kept in zoos, primate research facilities, and pig farms.

Shankar’s death marks the first documented case of an elephant succumbing to EMCV in India. A senior official at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) stated to the BBC that there may have been unrecorded instances of other mammals dying from this virus. In the wake of Shankar’s passing, Mr. Kumar did not respond to inquiries regarding potential rodent infestations at the zoo.

The call to transfer Shankar to a wildlife sanctuary had gained traction over the years, with a legal petition filed in 2021. Unfortunately, this petition was rejected by the courts in 2023. Following Shankar’s death, petition director Nikita expressed her belief that his passing was “preventable” and described it as “heartbreaking” to witness such a tragic end.

With Shankar’s demise, only one African elephant remains in India, also living in isolation. Animal activist Gauri Maulekhi emphasized the need for systemic change, 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 situation surrounding Shankar has drawn international attention, highlighting the challenges faced by captive elephants and the urgent need for reforms in animal welfare practices globally.