The Delhi zoo’s lone African elephant, Shankar, walked freely in his enclosure after being launched from chains on Friday (October 11, 2024), the Ministry of Atmosphere stated.
Union Minister of State for Atmosphere Kirti Vardhan Singh had reviewed Shankar’s well being and habitat situations on Wednesday with officers from the Atmosphere Ministry and consultants from Vantara, the Jamnagar-based wildlife facility of the Reliance Group.
On Monday, the World Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) had suspended the membership of the Delhi zoo as a result of considerations over Shankar’s welfare, as he had been dwelling and not using a companion and “stored in chains”.
The Ministry stated in a press release on Friday (October 11, 2024) that Shankar was seen strolling freely in his enclosure after being launched from chains.
Mr. Singh shared a video on his official X account and stated, “Following my go to to the zoo on October 9 and assembly Shankar, the lone African elephant, we introduced collectively the Ministry of Atmosphere, Workforce Vantara from Jamnagar, and professional veterinary docs.
“I’m completely happy to share that Shankar is lastly free from chains. Because of the relentless efforts of the workforce — together with Neeraj, Yaduraj, Dr Adrian from South Africa, and Michael from the Philippines — rehabilitation is progressing as per the motion plan.” The Minister’s initiative geared toward enhancing Shankar’s well being contains 24/7 behavioural monitoring by veterinary consultants and mahouts, the assertion stated.
Shankar was free of his chains with none treatment. Consultants will proceed to look at his behaviour over the subsequent few days to make sure clean progress, whereas zoo employees and mahouts will obtain particular coaching to work together with him, it added.
A personalised weight loss plan and exercise plan for Shankar will likely be created based mostly on his behaviour and every day routine, the ministry stated.
Singh additionally consulted with Michael, a mahout from the Philippines, through video convention to test on Shankar’s well-being.
On Friday, Shankar appeared extra relaxed, indicating constructive developments in his rehabilitation, in accordance with the assertion.
Zimbabwe had gifted the elephant to then President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma in 1996. Shankar was dropped at India and has been housed on the Delhi zoo ever since.
Shankar has been alone since his companion, one other African elephant named Bambai, died in 2005.
CZA Member Secretary Sanjay Shukla earlier informed PTI that Botswana has agreed to supply an African feminine elephant to be paired with Shankar.
“Shankar and his companion will likely be stored on the Delhi zoo as per international requirements,” he had stated.
In accordance with zoo officers, Zimbabwe has additionally agreed to supply a feminine African elephant.
Revealed – October 11, 2024 09:32 pm IST