Foreign animal health experts are set to arrive in Karachi to examine Safari Park elephant Madhubala as her condition continues to deteriorate following repeated collapses, loss of appetite, and rapid weight loss.
Despite conducting several laboratory tests over the past month, Safari Park veterinarians have reportedly been unable to determine the exact cause of her worsening health.
Madhubala has been suffering from several medical problems, including a foot infection and severe swelling in her right hind thigh. More than a week ago, she collapsed again inside her enclosure and had to be lifted with the help of a crane and harness.
Dr. Amir Khalil of international animal welfare organization Four Paws and a Sri Lankan expert are expected to arrive in Karachi on October 8 at the request of local authorities. They will carry out a detailed medical assessment of Madhubala as well as Malika, the other elephant at Safari Park.
Malika is also reportedly unwell, although her condition is less serious. Madhubala and Malika are the last two elephants remaining in Pakistan, and both have undergone prolonged treatment for tuberculosis.
Madhubala was previously housed at Karachi Zoo, where she was left alone following the death of her companion Noor Jehan in 2023. Noor Jehan died after suffering a fall in her enclosure. Her autopsy later revealed a severe blood parasitic infection and internal trauma, along with a lack of proper medical care.
In November 2024, Madhubala was relocated to Safari Park under the supervision of Four Paws, where she was reunited with Sonia and Malika.
However, Sonia died just a month later after collapsing in her enclosure. Laboratory reports subsequently showed that she had been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses affecting almost all major organs, indicating prolonged neglect and delayed diagnosis.
The successive deaths of captive elephants sparked public outrage and prompted the KMC to establish an 18-member body last year to oversee the care of Madhubala and Malika.
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