Foreign Veterinary Team Treats Ailing Elephant in Karachi

A foreign veterinary expert team is treating Madhubala, an African elephant whose health has deteriorated during prolonged treatment for tuberculosis at Safari Park in Karachi, Pakistan.

The park brought in outside specialists after observing that the elephant’s condition continued to worsen. Madhubala has reportedly collapsed twice inside her enclosure in recent weeks.

Health concerns

Egyptian veterinarian Dr Amir Khalil said Madhubala had lost more than 200 kilograms of body weight and suffered significant muscle loss. He also described swelling in one of her legs, along with wounds affecting her nail and foot.

Khalil said Madhubala had previously experienced bacterial and parasitic infections. Following three weeks of intensive treatment, however, her blood results had improved and tests showed no bacterial or parasitic infection.

“Strict protocol of medication is very important,” Khalil said, stressing the importance of following the treatment process.

Despite the seriousness of Madhubala’s condition, Khalil said the veterinary team should continue to have hope. “We should not give up,” he said, adding that the team had seen hope and valued the cooperation of staff at the park.

Activists oppose captivity

The elephant’s condition has also renewed criticism from animal rights activists over the keeping of wildlife in captive settings.

Jade Allen, an animal rights activist, said captivity was particularly harmful to wild animals. She argued that animals should remain in their natural environment instead of being kept in zoos or private farmhouses.

The available information does not indicate that Madhubala has recovered from tuberculosis or provide a formal current prognosis. It confirms that veterinary experts are caring for her as treatment continues amid ongoing health concerns.