Is Karachi Going to Kill Pakistan’s Last African Elephant in Confinement?
While the developed world is progressively making efforts to make the world a better place for animals to live in, Pakistan isoblivious to Madhubala’s worsening physical and mentalcondition in a tiny enclosure at Karachi Zoo. Despite several months of the passionate and pro bono efforts of the global animal welfare organization, FOUR PAWS International, officials in Karachi have still not signed the Memorandum of Understanding to urgently transfer her to Safari Park.
The plans for the reconstruction of Madhubala’s new enclosure had been submitted to officials more than a month ago, but since the FOUR PAWS team (headed by world-famous veterinarian, Dr. Amir Khalil) left Pakistan last month, communication and work on this front has been paused indefinitely for no reason.
FOUR PAWS estimates that the entire process will take at least a month and a half and declared in a press release that it is “more than ready” to proceed with Madhubala’s relocation. It also clarified on its Instagram account that it has been waiting andrelying on the authorities and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to send an official invitation and approve the plans that will enable it to proceed with preparations forMadhubala’s urgent relocation.
Dr. Amir Khalil explained, “We need to act now by assisting the reconstruction efforts of her new home and starting to train Madhubala for the big moving day. The transport crate is already built and stands ready at the zoo. We cannot let her down, however, as long as the mayor has not signed the agreement, our hands are tied. What we need is a formal confirmation and an invitation by the Mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, so our team of experts can travel back to Pakistan as soon as possible.”
“The urgency is eminent as she is in a pivotal state at the moment. Although physically healthy to the point that she can be relocated, her mental state worsens every day. Elephants are very social animals. They need the company of fellow creatures,” he added.
FOUR PAWS highlighted on Instagram that Noor Jehan’s death in April and Madhubala’s life in solitary confinement since thenhave taken a strong toll on her mental condition. “Her lonely days are numbered,” it warns, and Dr. Amir Khalil says that after what happened to Noor Jehan, they cannot allow exposing Madhubala to any potential health risks.
FOUR PAWS intensified its efforts to move her to a species-appropriate place after Noor Jehan’s death and says that her relocation will be a “pivotal moment in the history of Pakistan as it will be the last African elephant leaving behind the captivity of a zoo in the country.” However, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Pakistan seems to be sleeping on the job.
Madhubala’s new ‘species-appropriate’ home in Safari Park (where she will live with Sonia and Malika) is substantially bigger than her current prison-like one and she should have been moved there by now.
FOUR PAWS detailed on Instagram that
– an extension of 10 hectares, resulting in a total coverage of approximately 14 hectares (triple the size of the original enclosure);
– the addition of a pool and a mud bath;
– a food kitchen to prepare food and enrichments for the elephants;
– implementation of comprehensive safety standards for the elephants, mahouts, and visitors.
“We are committed to seeing Pakistan’s last three elephants roaming in a spacious and species-appropriate enclosure. After what had happened to beloved Noor Jehan we cannot allow to bring Madhubala in any potential danger!” it added.
However, without a concrete moving date, days have turned into months, leaving Madhubala in misery, while exposing Karachi’s blatant indifference to and disregard of the innocent life in its hands.
