KARACHI: Four Paws — an international team of veterinary experts who have been assisting the local authorities in animal care since 2021 — in a detailed statement on their Facebook page has called upon the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to let the organisation rescue and reunite zoo elephant Madhubala with her sisters at Safari Park.

“It has been over a month since our team returned from Karachi, and during this time, we have been in a waiting position, relying on the authorities and KMC to send an official invitation and approve the plans that will enable us to proceed with preparations for the urgent relocation of Madhubala.

“Currently, Madhubala is in good physical condition for transportation, but her time in solitary confinement has taken a toll on her mental health. This lonely elephant urgently needs to be reunited with her sisters, Malika and Sonia, at the Safari Park,” the organisation emphasised.

It points out that to make the reunion happen, significant improvements are needed to be made at the Safari Park to ensure the well-being and safety of the elephants, keepers, and visitors. This process is estimated to take at least a month and a half.

Team of foreign experts waiting for KMC’s invite

“When our team returned from Karachi, we were content with what we had initiated and accomplished during our stay; Madhubala’s transport crate was completed and delivered to the zoo.

“We also met with architects, engineers, and construction workers at the Safari Park to discuss and advise on the necessary improvements to the elephant enclosure, which include an extension by 10 hectares, resulting in a total coverage of approximately 14 hectares. This will triple the original enclosure size,” it says.

The recommendations also included the construction of an additional water pool and mud bath for the elephants, a food kitchen to prepare food and enrichments for the elephants, and the implementation of comprehensive safety standards for the elephants, mahouts, and visitors.

The organisation regrets that all the efforts that went into preparing the grounds for relocating Madhubala came to a halt in August this year.

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“After what happened to her beloved Noor Jehan (an elephant who met a tragic death in April this year), we cannot allow Madhubala to be in any potential danger.”

“We need to act now by assisting with the reconstruction efforts of her new home before we start training Madhubala for the big moving day. We cannot let her down, but until the mayor officially approves the relocation plan, our hands are tied,” it says.

It might be recalled that experts had recommended the relocation of both zoo elephants (Madhubala and Noor Jehan) to the Safari Park in 2021 as the facility offered a species-appropriate environment for the animals. The recommendation is still pending due to official indifference.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2023