Photos by FOUR PAWS
In a monumental achievement for animal welfare, global organization FOUR PAWS has successfully relocated African elephant Madhubala from the dire conditions of Karachi Zoo in Pakistan to a purpose-built sanctuary at Karachi Safari Park.
The milestone not only reunites Madhubala with her siblings Malika and Sonia after 15 years of separation but also marks a turning point for Pakistan’s commitment to wildlife welfare. Madhubala, who became the last African elephant in zoo captivity in Pakistan, is now beginning a new chapter in a spacious and carefully designed environment where she can thrive.
For over a year and a half, Madhubala suffered profound loneliness following the tragic death of her sister Noor Jehan at Karachi Zoo. Her only companion during this difficult time was a worn tire, underscoring the stark neglect she endured. Determined to change her fate, FOUR PAWS collaborated with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to ensure Madhubala’s relocation, aiming to restore her physical and emotional well-being and improve Pakistan’s standards of animal care.
Madhubala’s relocation was a logistical and emotional feat. With meticulous planning by the FOUR PAWS team, led by Dr. Frank Göritz from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), every detail of the operation was accounted for. To reduce her stress, Madhubala was gently sedated before being carefully lifted by crane into a custom transport crate. Escorted by a convoy of police and animal welfare experts, she was transported through the bustling streets of Karachi, a city of 20 million people, to her new home.
Upon arriving at Karachi Safari Park, Madhubala was released into a secure enclosure, where initial health assessments showed promising results. Dr. Göritz monitored Madhubala closely, and hours after settling in, she began exploring her new outdoor space.
“As soon as released from the transport crate, we realized that Madhubala was feeling very comfortable and could already sense the closeness of her two sisters. None of us expected her to be so eager to stretch out her trunk towards her two sisters,” said mission leader and FOUR PAWS veterinarian Dr. Amir Khalil.
Madhubala’s new home is part of a groundbreaking elephant sanctuary spanning 5.2 acres within Karachi Safari Park. This sanctuary, the first of its kind in Pakistan, was designed to meet international standards for elephant care. The enclosures feature water elements for bathing and thermoregulation, various substrates like soil and sand for dust bathing, and enrichment items such as hay nets and foraging puzzles to stimulate natural behaviors. Secured with elephant-proof fencing, the sanctuary provides a safe and nurturing environment for its residents.
FOUR PAWS worked closely with local stakeholders to ensure these improvements were effectively implemented. An independent task force will oversee the maintenance and continued adherence to species-appropriate standards, ensuring a sustainable future for Madhubala and her siblings.
The significance of Madhubala’s reunion with her siblings cannot be overstated. Separated in 2009, the four elephants—Madhubala, Noor Jehan, Sonia, and Malika—were captured as calves in the wild and brought to Pakistan. They were divided between Karachi Zoo and Karachi Safari Park, leading to years of isolation and inadequate care. In 2021, the Sindh High Court enlisted FOUR PAWS to assess their welfare, uncovering the urgent need for improved living conditions, medical treatment, and proper diets.
After being in her enclosure, Madhubala entered her outdoor area carefully and walked a few steps, only to slowly turn her head backwards to bring her old tire, an emotional souvenir from her previous home at Karachi Zoo that had been brought by the FOUR PAWS team. After a short snack of carrots and apples provided by the caretakers, the pachyderm explored her outdoor enclosure, under the gaze of the observers.
Countless local observers, diplomatic representatives from Europe, media outlets and the FOUR PAWS expert team celebrated Madhubala entering the joint family enclosure. She had just caught her two sisters drinking water at a small pond. Madhubala again brought her tire and placed it in front of them like a gift. Being social animals, the sisters returned the gesture by inviting Madhubala for a welcome drink at their pond.
