KARACHI, September 16, 2026: Madhubala, a female elephant at Karachi’s Safari Park, is facing a serious health emergency after collapsing and becoming unable to stand without assistance.
The elephant, who has been experiencing multiple health problems for more than a year, collapsed on Monday morning. Safari Park authorities later used a crane and supporting belt to help keep her upright and allow limited movement.
Safari Park Director Amjad Zaidi said officials were in regular contact with Sri Lankan wildlife health specialist Dr Budhika Bhandara regarding Madhubala’s condition.
According to Zaidi, Madhubala has developed swelling in her right hind thigh, which appears to be affecting her ability to use the leg properly. He said the swelling may have resulted from a fight with her companion Malika, although the exact cause will be determined after further medical examinations.
A local veterinary team is expected to conduct an X-ray and carry out blood and urine tests to assess her condition.
Zaidi said Madhubala had previously recovered from tuberculosis after completing an 18-month treatment course and had also recovered from a foot infection. He added that she is currently eating and otherwise appears stable.
However, officials familiar with her condition have described the situation as life-threatening. A senior veterinarian warned that Madhubala has become extremely weak and that prolonged inability to stand or move could affect other organs and potentially become fatal if her condition does not improve.
Madhubala was previously kept at Karachi Zoo, where she remained alone after the death of her companion Noor Jehan in 2023. Noor Jehan died after falling inside her enclosure.
An autopsy report released by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation later stated that Noor Jehan had suffered from a severe blood parasitic infection and internal trauma, along with inadequate medical care.
Madhubala was moved from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park in November 2024, where she was reunited with her sisters Sonia and Malika. The relocation was carried out under the supervision of international animal welfare organisation Four Paws, which had been working with the KMC on elephant care.
The reunion was followed by another setback when Sonia collapsed and died in her Safari Park enclosure about a month later. Laboratory reports subsequently showed that Sonia had multiple chronic illnesses affecting several vital organs, with findings pointing to prolonged health problems and delays in diagnosis.
The deaths of captive elephants led to public criticism and prompted the KMC to establish an 18-member body to oversee the care of Madhubala and Malika. Both elephants were also diagnosed with tuberculosis.
Madhubala, Malika, Sonia and Noor Jehan were brought to Karachi from Tanzania in 2010 at a very young age under an arrangement that later attracted controversy.
Madhubala’s current condition has again highlighted the importance of specialised veterinary care, continuous health monitoring and appropriate living conditions for captive elephants. Wildlife experts and animal welfare groups have long stressed that the welfare of large, intelligent animals requires specialised facilities, trained veterinary teams and long-term care.
