Animal Advocates Radio “Voices Carry For Animals #422"- Youth for Animals

Hosted by Debbie Dahmer aka "Mama Bear"

Guest will be: Nikita Dhawan - Founder, Youth for Animals 🔸 Youth Ambassador, Born Free Foundation

https://youthforanimals.org/

https://twitter.com/youthforanimals

https://www.instagram.com/niki.dhawan/

Topic will be: Updates on Shankar the elephant situation in Delhi Zoo

In 1998, a 26 month-old male African elephant was presented as a diplomatic gift by Zimbabwe to India. He was named ‘Shankar’ after India’s 9th President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. Shankar, now over 26 years old, has lived his entire life in the Delhi zoo (National Zoological Park, NZP). Since 2001 when his sole companion Vambai passed away, Shankar has lived in solitary confinement. 

Shankar is chained for 17 hours of the day and does not have adequate space to move around when he is let out. Much like humans, elephants are social beings and suffer neurological distress when put in solitary confinement. Shankar constantly demonstrates stereotypical behaviour like swaying and head-bobbing, a key sign of distress (see video) In fact, Shankar’s aggressive behaviour has necessitated the zoo authorities to permanently close the viewing pathway since he could be a danger to visitors. 

Thank You All for Listening In! https://ppjg.me/?s=Voices+carry+for+animals