Karachi Safari Park Elephant Madhubala Faces Serious Health Crisis
Madhubala, a female elephant at Karachi’s Safari Park, is facing a serious health crisis after collapsing and becoming unable to stand without assistance.
The elephant, who has experienced several health problems over the past year, collapsed on Monday morning. Safari Park officials later used a crane and support belt to help keep her upright and allow limited movement.
Safari Park Director Amjad Zaidi said authorities are closely monitoring Madhubala’s condition and are also in regular contact with Sri Lankan wildlife health specialist Dr. Budhika Bhandara.
Swelling in Hind Leg
According to Zaidi, Madhubala has developed swelling around her right hind thigh, which appears to be affecting her ability to use the leg properly.
Officials believe the injury may have occurred during a confrontation with her companion Malika, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.
A veterinary team is expected to carry out an X-ray along with blood and urine tests to determine the cause of the problem.
Zaidi said Madhubala previously completed an 18-month treatment course for tuberculosis and had also recovered from a foot infection. He added that she is still eating and appears stable in other respects.
However, veterinary officials have expressed concern about her condition and warned that prolonged difficulty standing or moving could create further health complications.
Madhubala’s History in Karachi
Madhubala was previously housed at Karachi Zoo, where she was left without her longtime companion Noor Jehan following Noor Jehan’s death in 2023.
Noor Jehan died after falling inside her enclosure. A later autopsy report by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation found several serious health issues, including a blood parasitic infection and internal injuries.
Madhubala was subsequently transferred from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park in November 2024, where she was reunited with her sisters Sonia and Malika.
The relocation was carried out with the involvement of international animal welfare organisation Four Paws, which had been working with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation on elephant welfare.
Previous Losses at Safari Park
The reunion was followed by another tragedy when Sonia collapsed and died in her Safari Park enclosure about a month later.
Laboratory tests later indicated that Sonia had suffered from multiple chronic health conditions affecting several vital organs. The findings raised concerns about the long-term health and care of captive elephants in Karachi.
Following the deaths of the elephants, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation formed an 18-member committee to oversee the care and treatment of Madhubala and Malika.
Both elephants were also diagnosed with tuberculosis and have remained under veterinary observation.
Authorities Monitoring Madhubala
Madhubala, Malika, Sonia and Noor Jehan were brought to Karachi from Tanzania in 2010 when they were very young.
With Madhubala now facing another serious health problem, local veterinarians and wildlife specialists are monitoring her condition and carrying out further examinations to determine the appropriate treatment.
Authorities are expected to assess the results of the medical tests before deciding on the next steps for her care.
