Vet ends Karachi visit
KARACHI: Sri Lankan wildlife expert Dr Buddhika Bandara has ended his visit to Karachi and returned to Colombo, as the Madhubala elephant health scare continues for the ailing 18-year-old African elephant at the city’s Safari Park.
Bandara had been helping assess Madhubala’s condition. Before leaving, he cited a urinary tract infection and other health concerns affecting the elephant, Dawn reported. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) says her treatment will continue, and a final report is expected once more test results come in.
His departure leaves Madhubala’s recovery in the hands of the local veterinary team and Four Paws expert Dr Amir Khalil, who arrived in Karachi earlier this week.
Madhubala elephant health remains fragile
There has been some encouraging news. Dr Khalil said on Thursday that Madhubala could now stand and walk after weeks of treatment, following multiple infections about three weeks ago. Continued care from the local team helped her regain mobility.
Even so, her condition remains fragile. Khalil warned that a hind-leg problem and significant weight loss were still serious concerns. Initial blood tests showed several bacterial infections, while a stool sample revealed a parasitic infection.
He stressed that Madhubala needed an intensive treatment plan covering every aspect of her recovery, including an improved diet, appropriate medicines and a specially designed treatment enclosure so vets could carry out procedures with less stress.
The KMC called in both foreign experts after local veterinarians struggled to identify the causes of her deteriorating health. She reportedly collapsed twice in her enclosure in recent weeks. Her fight for recovery continues under close watch.
A troubled history
Madhubala’s health has been closely monitored for years. She was kept at Karachi Zoo after the death of her companion Noor Jehan in 2023. Noor Jehan died after a severe blood parasitic infection and internal trauma.
In November 2024, Madhubala was moved to Safari Park, where she reunited with her sisters Sonia and Malika. Sonia died a month after the reunion. The deaths sparked public concern over the elephants’ care.
The KMC later formed an 18-member committee to oversee Madhubala and Malika, both of whom were diagnosed with tuberculosis. Madhubala completed an 18-month course of TB treatment and also recovered from a foot infection. The two are Pakistan’s last captive elephants.
What happens next
The KMC says treatment continues and a final report on Madhubala’s condition is expected after further test results. For now, the focus is on managing her infections, rebuilding her strength and keeping her mobile.
Her case has become a test of how Pakistan cares for its captive wildlife. With Bandara gone, all eyes are on the Karachi team to keep her fragile recovery on track.
FAQ
Why did Dr Bandara leave Karachi?
The Sri Lankan wildlife health expert ended his visit and returned to Colombo after assessing Madhubala. Before leaving, he cited a urinary tract infection and other concerns, Dawn reported.
What is wrong with Madhubala?
She has suffered multiple infections, a hind-leg problem and significant weight loss. Recent tests showed bacterial infections and a parasitic infection. She previously completed 18 months of tuberculosis treatment.
Is Madhubala improving?
Four Paws vet Dr Amir Khalil said she can now stand and walk after weeks of treatment. However, he warned her recovery needs intensive ongoing care.
Who is treating Madhubala now?
The KMC says treatment continues under the local veterinary team with support from Four Paws expert Dr Amir Khalil. A final report is expected after more test results.
Where does Madhubala live?
She lives at Karachi’s Safari Park, where she was moved in November 2024. She shares the park with Malika, her companion. The two are Pakistan’s last captive elephants.
