Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, visited the African elephant ‘Shankar’ at the Delhi Zoo on Tuesday. He inspected the enclosure and gathered information about the facilities being provided for Shankar’s well-being.
Shankar Freed from Chains
Thanks to the efforts of Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, Shankar, the African elephant, has been freed from his chains. After ensuring the elephant was no longer confined, the Minister visited Shankar’s enclosure. He checked on Shankar’s health and personally fed him bananas, cucumbers, and sugarcane. The Minister also spoke with the mahouts (elephant keepers) and the expert team from Vantara, Jamnagar, Gujarat.
During the visit, Shankar appeared much healthier and less stressed compared to earlier. To further improve his well-being, large toys are being installed in the enclosure. These toys will help keep Shankar active and entertained, which will contribute to his overall mental health.
Detailed Inspection of Shankar’s Care
On October 9, Kirti Vardhan Singh carried out a thorough inspection of the zoo and Shankar’s enclosure. The Minister, along with zoo experts and a team from Vantara, conducted a microscopic inspection of the elephant’s living conditions. Their top priority was to relieve the elephant’s stress and provide better care.
Within 48 hours, the experts achieved a significant result—Shankar was freed from his chains, which had been a major cause of stress. Since then, Shankar’s behavior has improved, and his stress levels have reduced gradually.
Expanded Enclosure and New Activities
Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh announced that the elephant enclosure will be expanded to give Shankar more space. The team from Delhi Zoo and Vantara is closely monitoring Shankar’s diet, behavior, and overall health. Their efforts have already led to significant improvements.
To ensure Shankar remains active and mentally stimulated, the zoo is installing toys such as tires, mirrors, feeding rollers, and wooden balls. These activities will keep the elephant busy and contribute to his well-being. In addition, a gym is being set up for Shankar, which will allow him to stay physically fit.
Plans for a Companion Elephant
Minister Singh also shared exciting news about finding a companion for Shankar. Arrangements are being made to bring in a female African elephant to keep Shankar company. Both Zimbabwe and Botswana have expressed interest in this initiative. The formalities are currently being finalized to make sure Shankar will soon have a companion, improving his social life and overall happiness.
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