Sri Lankan veterinarian joins care team for ailing elephant Madhubala in Karachi

Wildlife specialist Buddhika Bandara joined Four Paws veterinarian Amir Khalil and Safari Park vets to examine Madhubala on October 9. The African elephant has lost substantial weight and collapsed twice in her enclosure, Dawn reported.

Local authorities invited the overseas specialists after Safari Park vets were unable to establish the causes of the elephant's continuing deterioration. The joint examination is intended to guide adjustments to her treatment and daily care.

Amir Khalil attributed the weight loss to bacterial and parasitic infections and weakness following tuberculosis treatment. He also described a suspected linear fracture around the carpal joint, presenting it as a preliminary assessment at a briefing in the park.

He said local and foreign veterinarians had remained in contact for several weeks. Although Madhubala had shown signs of improvement, he declined to offer a firm prognosis and called for further efforts and better care.

Dawn reported that the specialists also planned to examine Malika, Madhubala's sole remaining companion. The newspaper described them as Pakistan's last two captive elephants.

Madhubala moved from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park in November 2024, reuniting with Sonia and Malika. She had been alone following Noor Jehan's death in 2023. A postmortem found a severe blood parasite infection, internal injuries and inadequate medical care.

Sonia died a month after Madhubala's relocation. Laboratory findings identified chronic conditions affecting almost all her vital organs. The latest examination follows those earlier losses as Madhubala continues to struggle with her health.