UPDATE # 49, October 8, 2024:

HINDUSTAN TIMES-

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) — an alliance of global zoo and aquarium associations — on Monday suspended the membership of the National Zoological Park, informally known as the Delhi zoo, over concerns about the poor condition in which the lone African elephant at the facility has been housed.

The association has now given the zoo six months’ time — till April 7, 2025 — to either relocate the male elephant, or to address all concerns related to his management and care, failing which the membership of the zoological park will be terminated.

After receiving numerous complaints regarding Shankar’s health, a WAZA team visited the Delhi zoo on March 18 and visited the elephant’s enclosure. Raising concerns over the zoo authorities restraining the animal with chains, the association then wrote to the zoo in May, seeking appropriate action within 15 days so that a review could be conducted.

The Delhi zoo responded to the queries with additional details in May and July. However, WAZA did not find the efforts adequate, and following a meeting on Monday, suspended the Delhi zoo’s membership.

“As outlined in Article 9 of the WAZA bylaws, the Council may impose sanctions for non-compliance with the WAZA Code of Ethics. Non-compliance may result in suspension and potential expulsion from WAZA membership. Following a thorough review of this case, the WAZA Council has voted to immediately suspend the WAZA membership of the National Zoological Park New Delhi,” the association said in a letter.

WAZA also mentioned the further course of action for the zoo with three points. First, the letter said, the zoo must draw up a six-month action plan to relocate Shankar or address his health concerns, and the proposal should be shared with WAZA for review and approval. Second, if the zoo decides to relocate Shankar, it should begin preparing the elephant for the move to ensure a smooth transition

However, the final point in the communication warned that if the zoo does not have a plan approved by WAZA to relocate Shankar or address the concerns by April 7, 2025, the zoo’s membership will be terminated.

The letter explained that the current suspension imposed on Delhi zoo means that it will not be able to participate in the WAZA annual conference or committees. It will also not get printed copies of WAZA news and digital communications assets. The Delhi zoo will also not be able to self-nominate for WAZA travel grants and council elections. The letter adds that the Delhi zoo can appeal against the suspension within the next 60 days by November 5 and present its case.

Separately, WAZA also warned the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) that its membership could be cancelled if it did not comply with the 2023 Animal Welfare Goals (AWG) by November 30. This would imply that the membership of all nine WAZA members in India would also be terminated.

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