Shankar the elephant: The lonely life and death of Delhi's only African elephant

For 24 years, Shankar endured a lonely existence - including at least 13 spent in solitary confinement.

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Shankar, the lone African elephant at Delhi's zoo who spent much of his life in isolation, refused food on Wednesday and collapsed by evening. Despite veterinary efforts, the 29-year-old male died within 40 minutes, officials said.

For 24 years, Shankar endured a lonely existence - including at least 13 spent in solitary confinement.

The cause of his death is not known yet. "Investigation regarding the cause of death has been ordered," zoo director Sanjeet Kumar told BBC.

Shankar was among two African elephants that arrived in India in 1998 as a diplomatic gift from Zimbabwe to former India President Shankar Dayal Sharma.