Elephant Madhubala’s health scare raises fresh concern at Karachi Safari Park

KARACHI: African elephant Madhubala has experienced a fresh health scare at Karachi’s Safari Park after developing swelling in her right hind thigh and collapsing, prompting veterinary examination and renewed attention to the health of one of the city’s last remaining elephants.

Safari Park officials said Madhubala developed swelling in the upper part of her right hind leg, leaving her unable to use the affected limb normally. She was subsequently assisted back onto her feet, including with the help of a crane, according to reports.

The precise cause of the swelling has not yet been established. Director Safari Park Amjad Zaidi said officials suspected that the injury could have resulted from an altercation with Madhubala’s companion, Malika, but said X-ray, blood and urine tests were required to determine the cause.

Madhubala’s condition reported as satisfactory

In the latest update, Zaidi said Madhubala’s condition was satisfactory, adding that she was eating normally and had returned to her routine. The Safari Park administration is also remaining in contact with Sri Lankan wildlife health specialist Dr Buddhika Bhandara regarding her treatment and medical management.

The latest assessment provides a more reassuring picture than initial reports of her deterioration, although the investigation into the swelling and its underlying cause remains ongoing.

Earlier reports had said the elephant suddenly became weak and sat or fell down, prompting park officials to call veterinarians for an immediate assessment. Medical treatment was subsequently provided.

TB remains an important part of her medical history

Madhubala’s latest health episode comes against the backdrop of her previous diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis (TB).

Zaidi said Madhubala had undergone approximately 18 months of treatment for TB and had recovered considerably. She had also recovered from a previous foot infection, according to the latest update.

Both Madhubala and Malika had previously tested positive for TB-related infection and were placed under medical care. In 2025, experts assisting the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation had reported that genetic testing indicated exposure or latent infection, while further testing was required to establish active TB infection at that time.

A 2025 report also documented the extensive treatment regime being provided to the two elephants, including medicated food containing hundreds of pills each day.

The latest health scare should therefore be viewed in the context of Madhubala’s longer medical history, but there is currently no confirmed evidence that TB itself caused the new swelling or collapse.

From Karachi Zoo to Safari Park

Madhubala was transferred from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park in November 2024, after spending more than a year as the zoo’s only remaining elephant following the death of her longtime companion, Noor Jehan.

The move reunited Madhubala with her sisters Malika and Sonia, who had been housed at Safari Park. The relocation was carried out with assistance from Four Paws, an international animal-welfare organisation that had worked with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation on elephant care.

The reunion was short-lived. Sonia died about a month after Madhubala’s transfer, following a period of serious illness. Subsequent reporting and medical investigations highlighted multiple chronic health problems in Sonia.

From four elephants to two

Madhubala, Malika, Sonia and Noor Jehan were among four African elephants brought from Tanzania to Karachi as young animals in 2009. Two were initially kept at Karachi Zoo, while the other two were housed at Safari Park.

Noor Jehan died at Karachi Zoo in April 2023, while Sonia died at Safari Park in December 2024, leaving Madhubala and Malika as the two remaining elephants at the facility.

Their health and welfare have remained a matter of public and expert concern, particularly following the deaths of Noor Jehan and Sonia and the medical problems experienced by the remaining elephants.

Access restricted as officials monitor Madhubala

Following the latest deterioration, access around the elephants has been restricted as a precautionary measure, according to officials.

The immediate priority remains determining the cause of Madhubala’s hind-leg swelling and ensuring that she receives appropriate veterinary care. Officials have said further diagnostic tests are being used to establish what caused the problem.

For now, the latest official assessment indicates that Madhubala is eating normally and living her routine life, but the ongoing diagnostic work will be important in determining whether the latest episode was caused by an injury, infection or another underlying condition.

Her latest health scare once again places the spotlight on the medical needs of Karachi’s remaining elephants and the importance of sustained veterinary monitoring for animals with complex medical histories.

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