Karachi Safari Park elephant Madhubala is facing a serious medical emergency after collapsing and becoming unable to stand on her own.
The female elephant, who has been battling multiple health problems for more than a year, collapsed on Monday morning. Safari Park authorities later used a crane and supporting belt to help keep her upright and allow limited movement.
Safari Park Director Amjad Zaidi said officials were also in constant contact with Sri Lankan wildlife health specialist Dr. Budhika Bhandara regarding Madhubala’s condition.
According to Zaidi, the elephant has developed swelling on her right hind thigh, which appears to be preventing her from properly using the leg.
He said the swelling may have resulted from a fight with her companion Malika, although the exact cause will only be determined after further medical examinations. A local team is expected to conduct an X-ray along with blood and urine tests.
Zaidi said Madhubala had previously recovered from tuberculosis after completing an 18-month treatment course and had also recovered from a foot infection. He added that she was currently eating and otherwise appeared stable.
However, officials familiar with her condition have described the situation as life-threatening.
A senior veterinarian warned that Madhubala had become extremely weak and said prolonged inability to stand or move could begin affecting other organs and could eventually prove fatal if her condition does not improve.
Madhubala was previously kept at Karachi Zoo, where she was left alone following the death of her companion Noor Jehan in 2023. Noor Jehan died after falling inside her enclosure.
An autopsy report released by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation later found that Noor Jehan had suffered from a severe blood parasitic infection and internal trauma, along with inadequate medical care.
Madhubala was later shifted from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park in November 2024, where she was reunited with her sisters Sonia and Malika.
The relocation was carried out under the supervision of international animal welfare organization Four Paws, which had been working with the KMC on elephant care.
The reunion, however, was followed by another setback when Sonia collapsed and died in her Safari Park enclosure just a month later.
Laboratory reports subsequently showed that Sonia had been suffering from multiple chronic illnesses affecting almost all of her vital organs. The findings pointed to prolonged neglect and delays in diagnosing her health problems.
The deaths of captive elephants triggered public criticism and prompted the KMC to form an 18-member body to oversee the care of Madhubala and Malika. Both elephants were also diagnosed with tuberculosis.
Madhubala, Malika, Sonia, and Noor Jehan were brought to Karachi from Tanzania in 2010 at a very young age under a controversial arrangement.
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