UPDATE #3: Today an article about Shankar was published in Jagran, a Hindi publication. We are really glad that our campaign has put the 'plight of Shankar' back on the discussion table. HOWEVER the article talks about the zoo authorities looking to bring a female African elephant as a mate for Shankar and in return sending an elephant to Africa (possible countries for the exchange mentioned in the article are Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana).

Now we all have to agree the Zoos are Prisons, especially for large mammals like elephants who are by nature herd animals. By indulging in a prisoner exchange program between zoos, India will be sending a very wrong message to the world. This is NOT the India we are. We are a nation of Gandhi and compassion is in our blood. Shankar should be sent to a sanctuary where he can live the rest of his life like an elephant and not an item on display. 

Let Shankar be the beacon of hope for all the captive elephants in India and globally. Zoo exchange is NOT a solution, it is a CURSE TWICE OVER.