Shankar, the African elephant at Delhi’s National Zoological Park, is showing remarkable signs of recovery after facing a period of heightened distress. The lone African elephant at the zoo was displaying aggression and experiencing discomfort due to his musth period, which resulted infractured tusks, and a cracked toenail, and left him hobbled on his front legs.
The situation demanded immediate intervention and a collaborative effort was initiated between the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, led by Union Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, and the animal welfare team from Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation group based in Jamnagar, led by Anant Ambani. Within 24 hours of receiving the call, Vantara’s team of skilled veterinarians and trainers arrived at the zoo with essential medical supplies and equipment to stabilise Shankar’s medicial conditions.

Upon arrival, the veterinary experts conducted a detailed clinical examination and initiated a comprehensive treatment protocol. The first step was to remove the hobbles restricting Shankar’s movement, allowing him to roam more freely within his enclosure. His diet was reviewed, and a plan for environmental enrichment such as sand bath was put in place to stimulate his mental and physical well-being. The team also began installing specially designed rubber mats to provide comfort to Shankar’s feet and aid his recovery. These modifications aim to create a more supportive and healthy environment for the elephant.

Shankar’s condition showed improvement within 72 hours of the treatment beginning. The zoo reported that the elephant is now more active, foraging for food, and exhibiting better overall health. The ongoing monitoring and care, spearheaded by Vantara’s team, has been crucial in providing immediate relief and supporting his continued recovery.
The intervention, overseen by Kirti Vardhan Singh, marks a milestone in Shankar’s recovery. Singh, who visited the zoo on October 9, shared updates on Shankar’s progress via social media, expressing his satisfaction with the collaborative efforts. In a post on X, Singh wrote, “Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Vantara team, including experts from around the globe, Shankar is now free from chains and on the path to recovery.”

One of the key achievements in Shankar’s recovery was the successful removal of his chains without the use of sedatives or any other medication. The team of veterinary doctors and mahouts, led by experts from India, South Africa, and the Philippines, worked together to calm Shankar and monitor his behaviour. As part of the long-term care plan, the zoo’s mahouts will receive additional training to effectively manage Shankar’s interaction and daily routine.
This collaborative approach, combining government oversight and expert intervention from Vantara, highlights a promising future for Shankar’s health and well-being. The continued efforts to enrich his environment and provide customised care are expected to improve his quality of life, with close monitoring and adjustments to his diet and activities.
The case of Shankar’s treatment and recovery demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved when authorities and specialised teams like Vantara work in unison to address the welfare of protected animals.