Sri Lankan veterinary team assesses TB treatment of elephants at Karachi Safari Park

KARACHI: A Sri Lankan veterinary delegation led by renowned wildlife specialist Dr. Buddhika Bandara has arrived in Karachi for a 17-day medical assessment of two female elephants, Madhubala and Malika, currently housed at the Karachi Safari Park. This critical health review aims to monitor the progress of their tuberculosis (TB) treatment, reinforcing a long-standing collaborative framework between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on elephant health and welfare.

Dr. Bandara, who is heading the team alongside local committee member Yusra Askari and supporting veterinarians, is conducting a detailed medical evaluation of both elephants. Speaking at a briefing at the park, he emphasized that Madhubala and Malika are under a comprehensive care plan with routine medical screenings conducted every two months.

“Both elephants have been diagnosed with tuberculosis and are undergoing a strict, long-term medical treatment protocol,” stated Dr. Bandara. “To ensure their safety and reduce exposure risks, no visitors are allowed near the elephants during treatment.”

However, public access is not completely restricted. Visitors at Safari Park can still view the elephants from a safe distance, maintaining educational and recreational engagement without compromising animal health.

Dr. Bandara confirmed that the next major TB screening will take place in six months, and biannual checkups will remain a standard practice moving forward. This level of care aligns with global veterinary standards for managing tuberculosis in captive wildlife species.

The ongoing visit not only highlights the cross-border veterinary cooperation but also underlines Pakistan’s commitment to wildlife conservation, ethical animal treatment, and public health safety in zoological settings.

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