Delhi: Shankar, the lone African elephant at the National Zoological Park, passed away on Wednesday evening, according to zoo officials who provided an update today. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of death.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Shankar was gifted to India by Zimbabwe in 1996 and arrived at the National Zoological Park-then named the Delhi Zoo-in 1998 alongside another elephant, Vimbai. Since 2012, he had been housed in a solitary enclosure, separate from his Asian counterparts. At the time of his passing, Shankar was approximately 30 years old.