{
  "id": 7455958,
  "title": "Madhubala faces life-threatening medical emergency",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/madhubala-faces-life-threatening-medical-emergency",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T03:00:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2030006/madhubala-faces-life-threatening-medical-emergency"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Safari Park authorities are grappling with a life-threatening medical emergency involving Madhubala, a crane-supported elephant, who has been unable to stand on her own for over a year due to multiple illnesses. On Monday morning, the 18-year-old female elephant suddenly collapsed, necessitating the use of a crane to lift her. Elephant Park Director Amjad Zaidi stated that Madhubala is receiving continuous support from a crane's belt to maintain her standing and facilitate small movements. The primary concern is a swelling on her right hind thigh, which is impeding her ability to use her leg. The swelling may have originated from a fight with her companion, Malika. Further tests, including X-rays and blood and urine examinations, will ascertain the exact cause. Despite Madhubala's recovery from tuberculosis and a previous foot infection, she is now critically weak. A senior veterinarian expressed fear that if Madhubala does not recover soon, her disability could lead to further complications and potentially her death. Madhubala was previously isolated at Karachi Zoo following the death of her companion, Noor Jehan, in 2023. Noor Jehan's autopsy revealed she had died from a blood parasitic infection and internal trauma due to lack of proper medical care. Madhubala was moved to Safari Park in November 2024, where she reunited with her sisters, Sonia and Malika. However, Sonia died a month later due to multiple chronic illnesses, raising concerns about Madhubala's ongoing health.",
  "summary": "A crane belt supports Madhubala so she can stand and make small movements.—Dawn KARACHI: Safari elephant Madhubala fighting multiple illnesses for over a year now faces a life-threatening medical emergency as she’s unable to stand up on her own, it emerged on Monday. Sources said the female elephant suddenly “collapsed” on the ground on Monday morning, forcing the Safari authorities to arrange a…",
  "key_points": [
    "18-year-old female elephant Madhubala faces life-threatening medical emergency.",
    "Swelling on right hind thigh impedes her ability to use leg.",
    "Further tests to determine exact cause of Madhubala's critical condition."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Madhubala's critical condition highlights the ongoing struggle to manage her multiple chronic illnesses, which could lead to further complications and potentially her death if she does not recover soon.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}