KARACHI: Madhubala, a female elephant at Karachi’s Safari Park, is facing a serious medical emergency after collapsing and becoming unable to stand on her own, officials and veterinary sources said.
Madhubala suddenly collapsed on Monday morning, prompting Safari Park authorities to arrange a crane to help lift and support her.
“Our team is supporting her with a crane’s belt to keep her standing and make small movements. At the same time, we are constantly in touch with Sri Lankan wildlife health specialist Dr Budhika Bhandara over her condition,” Safari Park Director Amjad Zaidi told Dawn.
He said Madhubala had developed swelling in her right hind thigh, which appeared to be preventing her from using the leg.
Medical Emergency
Zaidi said the swelling could have resulted from a fight between Madhubala and her companion, Malika, but added that its exact cause would only be established after further tests.
Veterinarians are expected to conduct an X-ray as well as blood and urine tests to determine the cause and severity of the problem.
According to Zaidi, Madhubala has previously recovered from tuberculosis after completing an 18-month treatment course and has also recovered from a foot infection.
“She is eating now and seems fine otherwise,” he said.
However, a senior veterinary source described her condition as potentially life-threatening, warning that prolonged inability to stand could place additional strain on her body.
“Madhubala is too weak now. If she fails to recover soon, her disability will seriously affect other organs of her body and may cause her death,” the veterinarian said.
Troubled History
Madhubala’s latest health crisis comes after years of medical problems and the deaths of her former companions.
She was kept at Karachi Zoo after the death of her companion Noor Jehan in 2023. Noor Jehan died after suffering a severe blood parasitic infection and internal trauma.
Madhubala was later moved to Safari Park and reunited with her sisters Sonia and Malika in November 2024 under the supervision of Four Paws, an international animal welfare organisation involved in elephant care in Karachi.
The reunion was short-lived. Sonia died about a month later after collapsing in her Safari Park enclosure.
Subsequent laboratory reports indicated that Sonia had suffered from multiple chronic illnesses affecting several vital organs, raising concerns over the long-term care and medical monitoring of captive elephants in Karachi.
Elephant Welfare
The deaths of captive elephants in Karachi have triggered public concern and scrutiny of their living conditions and veterinary care.
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation subsequently established an 18-member committee to oversee the care of Madhubala and Malika, who were both diagnosed with tuberculosis.
The four female elephants were brought to Karachi from Tanzania in 2010 when they were still very young, under an arrangement that has remained controversial among animal welfare advocates.
Madhubala’s latest condition has once again brought the welfare of Karachi’s captive elephants into focus, with veterinary teams now working to determine the cause of her collapse and whether she can regain the strength to stand without assistance.
