Karachi Safari Park’s female elephant Madhubala’s health deteriorates

Madhubala, a female elephant at Karachi Safari Park, has suddenly fallen ill, with swelling in her right hind thigh leaving her unable to use her right hind leg.

The Safari Park administration said there is swelling in Madhubala’s right hind thigh, because of which she is unable to use the affected leg.

Madhubala was transferred to Safari Park in November 2024 from Karachi Zoo, where she was the lone elephant.

Madhubala suddenly fell to the ground on Tuesday and was subsequently helped back onto her feet with the assistance of a crane.

The female elephant had previously suffered from infections and abscesses in her feet. The administration said Madhubala had also been facing a calcium deficiency in recent days, but the condition has now improved.

Some medical tests have also been conducted on the elephant.

According to a veterinary expert, Madhubala is being given medicines including antibiotics because of concerns about a possible bacterial infection. The expert said further medical examination is required to determine the definitive cause of her illness.

The veterinary expert added that prolonged exposure to hard flooring can be a major cause of foot problems in elephants.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) expressed ignorance about Madhubala’s current health condition.

Madhubala was transferred from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park in November 2024, where she was kept alongside elephants Sonia and Malika.

However, around a month after the transfer, Sonia died.