Global animal welfare organization Four Paws successfully relocated Madhubala, an African elephant, from Karachi Zoo to a specially designed enclosure at Karachi Safari Park, marking a historic step for animal welfare in Pakistan, according to the organization.
Elephant family reunion
Animal lovers, welfare organizations, and Karachi residents celebrated the much-awaited elephant family reunion in Karachi on November 26.
The relocation, facilitated in collaboration with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), reunited Madhubala with her siblings, Malika and Sonia, after 15 years of separation.
Madhubala had suffered immense loneliness following the death of her sister Noor Jehan over 18 months ago. Her only solace was an old tire. Her transfer represented the end of zoo captivity for elephants in Pakistan, with Madhubala being the last elephant in such conditions.
Josef Pfabigan, CEO and President of Four Paws, lauded the effort: “Madhubala’s rehoming into a species-appropriate enclosure is a gigantic step for more animal welfare in Pakistan and sends a strong signal to other countries where elephants are still kept in private captivity for entertainment purposes.”
Transfer procedure
The move, planned meticulously by FOUR PAWS experts, involved sedating Madhubala to ease her stress. Under the supervision of Dr. Frank Göritz from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Madhubala was carefully lifted with a crane and transported by truck, escorted by police and FOUR PAWS personnel.
On her arrival, mission leader Dr. Amir Khalil shared his emotional response: “Seeing Madhubala arrive in her beautiful forever home, already perceiving the closeness of her sisters, fills me with utmost joy. This marks the dawn of a new era as these sisters exemplify the end of elephant zoo captivity in Pakistan.”
Pakistan’s first elephant sanctuary
After Madhubala was released from the transport crate into her new secure enclosure, a health assessment and stress monitoring were conducted, showing normal reactions from the pachyderm.
Dr. Göritz, the head veterinarian, who has been overseeing their care since 2021, will continue to closely monitor the heath of three elephants — Madhubala and her Malika and Sonia. Following a few hours of settling in, Madhubala was allowed into her new outdoor enclosure, where she began exploring with curiosity. In the coming days, the three elephants will be closely observed to assess the best timing for potential socialization.
“The efforts of all the involved stakeholders were tremendous. Especially the close alignment with the mayor of Karachi and KMC, Murtaza Wahab, fast-tracked the developments of Madhubala’s relocation. To finally see her thriving in her new species-appropriate enclosure exceeds our expectations. It is one of the main pillars of the work of FOUR PAWS to make sure we find sustainable long-term solutions to improve the lives of as many animals as possible together with our local stakeholders and global network,” says Pfabigan.
The 5.2-acre sanctuary at Karachi Safari Park meets international standards, featuring water elements, dust-bathing areas, and enrichments for mental stimulation. Additionally, enrichments such as hay nets, varying substrates like soil, sand, clay, and sawdust, are provided for Madhubala to dust bathe, as well as a place to hide novel items to encourage foraging. The area is secured by elephant-proof fencing.
A new chapter for Karachi’s Elephants
Since 2009, when Madhubala and her siblings were brought to Pakistan, they have endured substandard living conditions. The Sindh High Court enlisted Four Paws in 2021 to address these issues and ensure proper diet, enrichment, and medical treatment. With this relocation, Pakistan set a precedent for improved animal welfare practices.
The four African elephants—Madhubala, Noor Jehan, Sonia, and Malika—were brought to Pakistan in 2009 after being captured from the wild at a young age. Upon arrival in Karachi, Madhubala and Noor Jehan were housed at the Karachi Zoo, while Sonia and Malika were sent to Karachi Safari Park.
Four Paws assessed the elephants’ wellbeing following a request from Sindh High Court in 2021. The assessment revealed the need for improved diet, enrichment, and medical care, including dental surgery for Madhubala and Noor Jehan due to broken tusks. After Noor Jehan’s death, Madhubala became Pakistan’s last captive African elephant in a zoo.
To facilitate Madhubala’s relocation to Karachi Safari Park, the living conditions of all three elephants were upgraded to international standards. Four Paws provided key recommendations, which were implemented to improve their enclosures. These upgrades include a 5.2-acre sanctuary with water features, enriching substrates like sand and clay, and elephant-proof fencing. An independent task force will monitor the elephants’ ongoing care and ensure that their living conditions remain suitable for their species.