Karachi Safari Park’s elephant Madhubala, who has been battling multiple illnesses for more than a year, is facing a serious health crisis after she collapsed on Monday and became unable to stand without assistance, officials said.
Safari Park authorities arranged a crane to help the elephant regain an upright position after she was found on the ground in the morning.
Safari Park Director Amjad Zaidi said staff were using a crane belt to support Madhubala while allowing her to remain standing and make small movements.
He added that the team was consulting Sri Lankan wildlife health specialist Dr Budhika Bhandara about her condition.
The elephant has developed swelling in her right hind thigh, which appeared to be preventing her from using the leg, Zaidi said.
He stated that the swelling might have resulted from a fight with Madhubala’s companion, Malika, but stressed that its cause could not be established until further examinations were completed.
A local team of experts is expected to conduct an X-ray as well as blood and urine tests, he added.
Zaidi reported that Madhubala had recovered well from tuberculosis following an 18-month treatment course and had also overcome a foot infection.
He maintained that she was eating and otherwise appeared to be in good condition.
However, a senior veterinarian described the elephant’s condition as life-threatening, warning that prolonged weakness and an inability to move could affect other organs and potentially result in her death.
Madhubala had spent time alone at Karachi Zoo after the death of her companion Noor Jehan in 2023.
Noor Jehan’s autopsy, released by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), attributed her death to a severe blood parasitic infection and internal trauma, compounded by inadequate medical care.
Madhubala was moved to Safari Park in November 2024, where she was reunited with her sisters, Sonia and Malika, under the supervision of Four Paws, an international animal welfare organisation.
Sonia died a month later after collapsing in her enclosure. Subsequent laboratory reports found that she had multiple chronic illnesses affecting vital organs.
Following public concern over the deaths of captive elephants, the KMC formed an 18-member body to oversee the care of Madhubala and Malika, both of whom were diagnosed with tuberculosis.
