Global body suspends Delhi zoo membership on welfare of its lone African elephant

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Monday suspended the membership of the Delhi Zoo over concerns about the treatment of its lone African elephant named Shankar.

In July, the 29-year-old African elephant suffered a chain burn injury during its ‘musth’ period, during which bull elephants show aggressive and unpredictable behaviour annually due to a spike in testosterone levels.

Zoo Director Dr Sanjeet Kumar said, “Shankar is not in chains currently and we are discussing its pairing with a female African elephant from zoos abroad. After studying the letter, we will send an appeal with compliance.”

Earlier, the Central Zoo Authority and Delhi Zoo Director had received a letter from WAZA, a global alliance, seeking clarification on whether the lone African elephant at the Delhi Zoo was tethered to a chain for months. Zoo authorities had denied the claims.