Anarkali, the beloved elephant at Mumbai's Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Vanaspati Udyan and Zoo (Byculla Zoo), passed away on November 10, 2024, due to old age. Her demise marked the end of the zoo's association with elephants, as new guidelines no longer permit housing these majestic animals.

Life and legacy of Anarkali

Anarkali’s journey began in 1977 when she was brought to Byculla Zoo from a circus in Bihar at the age of 12. She shared her new home with Laxmi, another elephant, with whom she developed a strong and playful bond. For years, the duo delighted visitors, offering rides before the practice was discontinued in the 1990s following protests by animal rights activists.

After Laxmi’s death in 2020 due to a chronic heart attack, Anarkali displayed noticeable sadness, often seen through changes in her behavior. She remained the zoo’s only elephant and its oldest resident until her passing.

Enrichment and care

The zoo staff made special efforts to care for Anarkali, particularly after she became the lone elephant. Her daily routine included enrichment activities such as honey trails, playing with a wooden ball, and enjoying an artificial rain shower to cool herself.

A biologist at the zoo told the Indian Express, “As a part of her exercise, we would create honey trails for Anarkali and had a wooden ball for her to play with. We also had an arrangement of artificial rain through showers where she would cool herself. During summers, we would also make fruit popsicles for Anarkali.”

Her final days

On November 8, Anarkali fell in her paddock area and was unable to stand despite efforts to lift her using cranes. Zoo veterinarians treated her on the spot, but her condition deteriorated, and she passed away on November 10.

A post-mortem report confirmed that her death was due to cardio-respiratory failure, with old age being the primary cause. After her passing, Anarkali was given a burial within the zoo premises.

No more elephants at Byculla zoo

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines issued in the early 2010s prohibit zoos from adding elephants to their collections, as these animals require large open spaces that most zoos cannot provide.

Sanjay Tripathi, Director of Byculla Zoo, explained, “The guidelines issued by CZA in the early 2010s banned elephants from further addition into the animal collection at a zoo. Therefore, no elephants will be brought into the zoo now.”

The elephant enclosure, spanning over 4,000 square meters, will now be repurposed. “We already have an animal collection of approved species. Each animal has a separate set of demands. We will determine and check which species the existing facility will cater to in the best way. Accordingly, we will take further decisions and submit documents to the Central Zoo Authority for its approval,” Tripathi added.

An era comes to an end

Anarkali's passing not only ends Byculla Zoo’s long association with elephants but also highlights the shift in focus toward the welfare and well-being of animals. Her legacy will remain etched in the memories of visitors who were amazed at her grace and strength for nearly five decades.