African elephant Madhubala on ‘antibiotics’ after collapsing at Karachi’s Safari Park

Karachi: Despite conducting multiple tests, including an X-ray, authorities at Safari Park remain uncertain about the cause of African elephant Madhubala's sudden collapse in her enclosure, it was revealed on Wednesday. According to a spokesperson for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Madhubala experienced "acute weakness and low immunity levels" following extended treatment for tuberculosis, which is believed to have led to her fall.

While her laboratory tests appear normal, she is being administered antibiotics as a precautionary measure on the advice of a seasoned local veterinarian. No fracture has been identified in the X-ray, and the KMC spokesperson, Daniyal Alishan Siyal, informed Dawn that all medical reports were forwarded to Sri Lankan wildlife health specialist Dr Buddhika for final evaluation.

When questioned about administering antibiotics without a confirmed bacterial infection, Siyal stated that Madhubala has elevated infection markers, though the precise cause remains undetermined. Currently, the elephant can stand independently, and the supporting crate belt has been removed. The swelling on her right hind thigh, believed to be caused by her fall, has been addressed.

KMC Director Amjad Zaidi had previously mentioned that the swelling on her right thigh was preventing her from using her leg. Furthermore, he noted that Madhubala had "recovered" from a foot infection. There are indications that the swelling on her right hind thigh might suggest an abscess spread from the foot, which she had been battling for some time.

Elevated infection markers point to her body's immune system reacting to an underlying issue, even though test results cannot pinpoint the exact cause. Madhubala's condition has shown steady signs of improvement, as reported by the KMC. In a press statement, the organization conveyed that the elephant is displaying encouraging signs of recovery, currently able to stand on her own without harness assistance.

Her vital signs remain stable, she maintains a healthy appetite, and she remains alert and responsive. Daily health assessments, blood tests, and X-rays of her hindquarters are being conducted regularly with the aid of the Sindh Institute of Animal Health, enabling veterinary experts to closely monitor her physical condition and gauge her progress.

Her dedicated keeper team remains with her around the clock, working closely with the veterinary team to ensure she receives proper nutrition, care, supervision, and support throughout her recovery. Madhubala had been in solitary confinement at Karachi Zoo after the tragic death of her companion Noor Jehan, who passed away in 2023 following a fall in her enclosure.

Noor Jehan's autopsy revealed that she died from a severe blood parasitic infection and internal trauma combined with inadequate medical care. Left alone at the zoo, Madhubala was successfully transferred to Safari Park in November 2024, where she was reunited with her sisters, Sonia and Malika, under the supervision of Four Paws, an international animal welfare organization that collaborated extensively with the KMC for elephant care.

The joy of her reunion was short-lived, as Sonia died a month later after collapsing in her Safari enclosure. Subsequent lab reports indicated that she suffered from multiple chronic illnesses affecting almost all vital organs, suggesting prolonged neglect in her care and delayed diagnosis. Successive deaths of captive elephants sparked public outrage, prompting the KMC to establish an 18-member body to oversee the well-being of Madhubala and Malika, both diagnosed with tuberculosis.

The four female elephants were brought to Karachi from Tanzania in 2010 at a young age under a controversial arrangement.