Delhi zoo’s lone African elephant Shankar released from chains
The Hindu
Delhi zoo's African elephant Shankar freed from chains, receives expert care for rehabilitation, improving welfare.
The Delhi zoo's lone African elephant, Shankar, walked freely in his enclosure after being released from chains on Friday (October 11, 2024), the Ministry of Environment said.
Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh had reviewed Shankar's health and habitat conditions on Wednesday with officials from the Environment Ministry and experts from Vantara, the Jamnagar-based wildlife facility of the Reliance Group.
On Monday, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) had suspended the membership of the Delhi zoo due to concerns over Shankar’s welfare, as he had been living without a companion and “kept in chains”.
The Ministry said in a statement on Friday (October 11, 2024) that Shankar was seen walking freely in his enclosure after being released from chains.
Mr. Singh shared a video on his official X account and said, "Following my visit to the zoo on October 9 and meeting Shankar, the lone African elephant, we brought together the Ministry of Environment, Team Vantara from Jamnagar, and expert veterinary doctors.
"I am happy to share that Shankar is finally free from chains. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the team — including Neeraj, Yaduraj, Dr Adrian from South Africa, and Michael from the Philippines — rehabilitation is progressing as per the action plan." The Minister's initiative aimed at improving Shankar's health includes 24/7 behavioural monitoring by veterinary experts and mahouts, the statement said.
Shankar was freed from his chains without any medication. Experts will continue to observe his behaviour over the next few days to ensure smooth progress, while zoo staff and mahouts will receive special training to interact with him, it added.
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