KARACHI — A 22-year-old African elephant at Karachi’s Safari Park has lost more than 200 kilograms and considerable muscle mass in her hind legs, an international veterinarian reported on Friday, as foreign specialists detailed an intensive rehabilitation plan.
Madhubala, named after a renowned Indian film actress from the 1950s, has been grappling with serious health issues for over two months, as stated by Dr. Amir Khalil, a veterinarian with the international animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS.
Dr. Khalil, who is in Karachi alongside Sri Lankan wildlife veterinarian Dr. Buddhika Bandara, noted that Madhubala’s condition remains a concern, despite recent tests indicating that previous bacterial and parasitic infections have been cleared.
“She has lost a significant amount of weight — over 200 kilograms,” Dr. Khalil told reporters at Safari Park. “She has experienced substantial muscle loss in her hind leg, presents with swelling and a wound on her nail, and is unable to sleep. When she does sleep, she cannot rise again due to extreme weakness in her hind leg.”
The specialists intend to implement hydrotherapy, upgrade the treatment area where Madhubala receives injections, and increase protein in her diet to aid in regaining strength and muscle mass.
A section of the swimming pool at Safari Park will be deepened by approximately one meter to allow the elephant to exercise her legs in water without supporting her full weight, Dr. Khalil said. Additionally, a crane or specialized support belt may be employed to assist with her movement.
“Water constitutes the most effective treatment,” he stated.
Madhubala and Malika, who also resides at Safari Park, represent Pakistan’s last two captive African elephants. Both had previously tested positive for tuberculosis and underwent treatment for approximately 18 months.
Madhubala tested negative for tuberculosis during her May examination, Dr. Khalil noted. Blood tests conducted several weeks prior had revealed bacterial and parasitic infections, but results obtained two days ago confirmed that both infections have since been cleared.
Despite these improvements, Madhubala remains in a vulnerable state. Dr. Khalil emphasized that he does not believe the elephant is imminently close to death, but cautioned: “Failure to implement these measures would indeed threaten the elephant’s well-being.”
He attributed her health challenges to a combination of factors, including prior infections, extended tuberculosis treatment, and a compromised immune system, rather than any inadequacy in care provided by the local staff.
Madhubala was transferred from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park in November 2024, following approximately 15 years of separation from the other elephants that were brought to Pakistan alongside her from Tanzania. Her long-time companion, Noor Jehan, passed away at Karachi Zoo in April 2023 after enduring prolonged health issues, while Sonia, another elephant residing at Safari Park, died in December 2024, just weeks after Madhubala’s arrival.
These fatalities have prompted renewed examination of the conditions under which captive elephants are kept in Karachi and their access to specialized veterinary services.
Dr. Khalil stressed that Madhubala’s recovery remains the immediate priority, and any consideration of relocating her would only be feasible once her condition has shown significant improvement.
“Our mission here, in collaboration with the Pakistani team, is to afford Madhubala an opportunity for recovery,” he said. “She deserves this chance. She is still a young elephant.”
When questioned about her prognosis, Dr. Khalil expressed that the weeks of treatment and coordination with the local team have provided grounds for optimism.
“I perceive a glimmer of hope, and there is a compelling reason for us to be here, striving to do our utmost,” he remarked.
