Shankar, the solitary 27-year-old African elephant residing at the Delhi Zoo, may soon find companionship from an unexpected source - Dubai Safari Park. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd has stepped forward to facilitate the transportation of a female elephant from Dubai, according to sources at the Delhi Zoo, also known as the National Zoological Park.
Initially, there were plans to bring a female elephant from South Africa, but talks could not materialise due to technical and logistic glitches. Now, officials have identified Dubai Safari Park as the potential source to bring an African female elephant for Shankar.
Shankar is not alone in this predicament; at the Mysuru zoo, Rambo, another African bull elephant in his 20s, has been solitary since 2016 following the death of its sire, Timbo.
African elephants, the largest land mammals, differ from Asian elephants. Sources indicate that of the three female elephants, one may be sent to Mysuru Zoo to accompany Rambo. However, plans are still being finalised.
Having lived solitarily for the past two decades, concerns have arisen regarding their mental health, prompting efforts to find suitable companions to ensure their well-being and facilitate procreation. Reports have indicated instances of Shankar exhibiting aggression and self-injury, particularly during the “musth” phase. As social creatures, elephants become distressed when alone and lacking companionship.
Zoo officials previously attempted to mate Shankar with Asiatic elephants, but without success. While elephants often heed their mahouts, there have been instances of aggression resulting in fatalities among handlers.
“Discussions regarding bringing female elephants from Dubai are in preliminary stages. We intend to bring at least three elephants. We approach this potential pairing with cautious optimism, recognising the importance of ensuring compatibility and a smooth transition for the female elephants from Dubai. Plans are being made for careful introductions and acclimatisation to prioritise the well-being of the animals,” said the sources. With its extensive logistical capabilities and commitment to environmental stewardship, IOC’s involvement marks a pivotal moment in Shankar’s quest for companionship.
As part of its corporate social responsibility and conservation efforts, IOC has already taken initiatives by adopting rhinoceroses in various zoos across India. In fact, the rhinoceros serves as IOC’s brand ambassador.
Shankar has been housed singly and separately from the Asian elephants at the zoo since 2001 when the female African elephant brought from Zimbabwe passed away.
Shankar was a one-year-old calf when it arrived at the Delhi zoo from Zimbabwe in 1998 as a diplomatic gift. Weighing up to 6,000 kgs and measuring up to 3.3m at the shoulder, the African Elephant is the world’s largest land mammal.
