Union minister, experts assess condition of Shankar at zoo

New Delhi: The minister of state for the Union environment ministry, Kirti Vardhan Singh, along with a team from wildlife rescue centre Vantara, visited the Delhi zoo to assess the condition of Shankar, its sole African elephant, on Tuesday.
Singh instructed the zoo authorities to expand the animal's enclosure and provide additional enrichment activities to ensure his health and engagement, said officials.Toys and other interactive objects are being installed in 29-year-old Shankar's enclosure to keep him stress-free and occupied.
On Oct 7, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums suspended the zoo's membership for six months, asking it to come up with a plan to either relocate or take care of Shankar to avoid permanent termination. Singh visited the zoo on Oct 9, and two days later, a team of animal welfare experts, including skilled mahouts, arrived from Vantara and began positive reinforcement exercises with the animal.
On Oct 11, Shankar was released from his chains and allowed to roam freely within his enclosure. He had been mostly chained in his enclosure since Sept 2023 due to ‘musth', a state of natural aggression. Officials explained that the chaining was necessary to prevent him from harming itself and visitors.
The ministry stated on Tuesday that the experts from Vantara carried out a microscopic inspection of Shankar's enclosure. They worked on relieving the elephant from stress and involving him in other activities, and Shankar was freed from the chain within 48 hours, it stated. The elephant's stress has also gradually reduced. The enclosure will be expanded," it stated.
Singh said the team of experts was monitoring the food, diet and behaviour of Shankar and the elephant was happy and stress-free. "Arrangements are being made for a gym. Tyre, mirror, feeding roller, wooden ball, etc., will be used in this," he added.
Arrangements are also being made for a female African companion for Shankar. Zimbabwe and Botswana have shown interest in it. "All formalities are being completed in this regard," govt stated.