KARACHI: Madhubala, a captive elephant at Karachi’s Safari Park, has fallen severely ill due to a suspected bacterial infection and required a crane to help her stand after collapsing. Her medical condition is critical as she is unable to use her right hind leg due to noticeable swelling, compounding a history of past foot infections, abscesses, and a recent calcium deficiency. Veterinarians have administered precautionary antibiotics, though further medical examinations are required for a definitive diagnosis, with experts highlighting that long-term housing on hard flooring is a primary driver of such foot complications in elephants. Meanwhile, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) spokesperson stated they were unaware of her current medical status. Madhubala was originally relocated from the Karachi Zoo to Safari Park in November 2024 to join other elephants, a transition that previously drew concern following the death of another elephant, Sonia, just a month later.
