Delhi Zoo’s WAZA membership suspended over mistreatment of Shankar, an African elephant

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has suspended the membership of Delhi Zoo for six months, citing concerns over the mistreatment of Shankar, a 29-year-old African elephant housed at the facility. This suspension prohibits the zoo from accessing key WAZA benefits, including participation in its annual conferences and access to travel grants.

Reason behind the cancellation

The core issue behind WAZA’s decision stems from Shankar’s living conditions. The elephant has been kept in solitary confinement, and at one point, he was restrained in chains. This situation violates WAZA’s ethical guidelines, which mandate that animals should be treated with respect and dignity, emphasizing proper care and social interaction, especially for social animals like elephants. WAZA has warned that if the Delhi Zoo fails to address these concerns within the next six months, the suspension could become indefinite.

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How to regain the membership?

To regain its membership, the Delhi Zoo must submit a six-month action plan by April 7, 2025, outlining either the relocation of Shankar to a more suitable facility or significant improvements in his current living conditions. If relocation is chosen, the zoo is required to provide specific details about the move and ensure a smooth transition for the elephant.About Shankar, the elephant

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Shankar was gifted to India in 1998 by the Zimbabwean government under President Robert Mugabe, in honor of former Indian President Shankar Dayal Sharma, after whom the elephant was named. Initially, Shankar had two Indian elephants as companions, but due to safety concerns and a 2014 decision by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), their interactions were significantly reduced. In 2021, Shankar attacked one of the Indian elephants during his musth period, forcing the zoo to further limit his socialization, leaving him isolated.

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In response to WAZA’s suspension, Delhi Zoo director Sanjeet Kumar stated that Shankar is no longer chained and now roams freely within his enclosure. However, WAZA remains firm in its demand for concrete changes.

In addition to Delhi Zoo, WAZA issued a letter to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) on October 7, reminding them of their obligation to meet the 2023 Animal Welfare Goal (AWG) standards by November 30. Failure to comply with these standards could lead to the CZA and all nine Indian zoos, including prominent ones like Bannerghatta Biological Park (Bengaluru) and Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (Visakhapatnam), losing their WAZA memberships.

The CZA is currently working on aligning its animal welfare evaluation programs with WAZA-approved standards.