The National Zoological Park (NZP) in New Delhi reported the death of Shankar, a 29-year-old male African elephant, on September 17, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Shankar, who arrived from Zimbabwe in November 1998 and had been at the NZP for 27 years, was found to be consuming fewer leaves and grasses with slight loose motion on the morning of his death, though he was eating other food normally. The NZP veterinary team treated him, but he collapsed at approximately 7:25 PM and died despite emergency treatment. No prior sickness or abnormal behavior was reported before September 16, 2025. An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of death. A postmortem examination is being conducted by a team of experts from IVRI Bareilly, the health advisory committee, and a representative from the Ministry. Following the postmortem and sample collection, the carcass will be disposed of according to procedure. According to Director NZP, Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, Shankar was a symbol of strength, wisdom and love and the NZP reaffirms its commitment to wildlife welfare and conservation. Release ID: 2168112.
Key Entities Referenced
National Zoological Park: The primary entity involved; it experienced the death of the elephant Shankar and is conducting the inquiry.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The ministry ordering the inquiry into the elephant's death, indicating oversight responsibility.
Delhi Zoo: Location where the event took place.
Shankar: The African elephant whose death is the subject of the inquiry.
IVRI Bareilly: The Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, providing experts for the postmortem.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
National Zoological Park orders Enquiry to ascertain
the Cause of Sudden Demise of African Elephant
‘Shankar’ at Delhi Zoo
No Sickness or Abnormal Behaviour reported till 16th
September 2025
Posted On: 18 SEP 2025 4:56PM by PIB Delhi
The National Zoological Park (NZP), New Delhi has informed about the sudden passing away of the 29-year-
old male African elephant, Shankar, on the night of 17th September 2025, at 8:00 PM.
To ascertain the cause of death, an inquiry has been ordered. The post-mortem is being conducted by a team
of experts from IVRI Bareilly, health advisory committee and representative of the Ministry for further
investigation. After the post-mortem and taking required samples, the carcass will be disposed-off following
due procedure.
‘Shankar’ had been a valued member of the National Zoological Park family for 27 years, having arrived in
November 1998 from Zimbabwe. He was admired by visitors and cherished by the zoo staff for his gentle
nature and majestic presence.
On the morning of 17th September, it was observed that ‘Shankar’ was consuming fewer leaves and grasses
with slight loose motion but was taking concentrate, fruits, and vegetables normally. The veterinary team of
NZP provided treatment, and animal keeping staff maintained close observation.
At approximately 7:25 PM on the same day, Shankar suddenly collapsed in its shed, and despite emergency
treatment, succumbed to death. No sickness or abnormal behaviour was reported until 16th September 2025.
‘Shankar’ was a symbol of strength, wisdom and love, and many members of the zoo community were
emotionally attached to him. The void left by his loss will be deeply felt by the zoo team, visitors, and the
entire conservation community, said Director (NZP), Dr. Sanjeet Kumar. The NZP reaffirms its commitment
to support ongoing wildlife welfare and conservation efforts at the National Zoological Park and across the
country, he added.
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VM/SK
(Release ID: 2168112)