The health condition of Madhubala, a female elephant at Karachi’s Safari Park, has deteriorated significantly following another fall in recent days.
According to media reports, Madhubala’s condition had already worsened after she fell several weeks ago. Her health has now become critical, with the elephant also experiencing continuous weight loss.
In view of her deteriorating condition, a team of foreign animal-care experts is arriving in Karachi on Thursday to assist with her treatment. The team includes Dr Amir Khalil from the international animal welfare organisation Four Paws, along with an elephant-care expert from Sri Lanka.
Safari Park sources said Madhubala is suffering from several health problems, including a foot infection and severe swelling in her right hind leg. The visiting experts will assess her condition and assist local authorities and veterinarians in providing the necessary treatment.
Madhubala’s current health concerns come after years of setbacks involving the deaths and illnesses of elephants kept in Karachi. Following the death of her companion Noor Jehan in 2023, Madhubala was left alone at Karachi Zoo. Noor Jehan died after a fall inside her enclosure. An autopsy report released by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) attributed her death to a severe blood-parasitic infection and internal trauma, along with inadequate medical care.
Madhubala was later relocated from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park, where she was reunited with her sisters Sonia and Malika in November 2024. The relocation was carried out under the supervision of Four Paws, an international animal welfare organisation that had worked with the KMC on elephant care.
However, the reunion was short-lived. Sonia died about a month later after collapsing in her enclosure at Safari Park.
Subsequent laboratory reports revealed that Sonia had been suffering from multiple chronic health conditions affecting several vital organs. The findings raised concerns about prolonged illness, inadequate care and delays in diagnosis.
The deaths of captive elephants in Karachi sparked public concern and prompted the KMC to establish an 18-member committee last year to oversee the care of Madhubala and Malika. Both elephants were subsequently diagnosed with tuberculosis. The four female elephants were brought to Karachi from Tanzania in 2010 at a young age under an arrangement that had attracted controversy.