Elephant Noor Jahan Left — Complete Story and History
Death of Noor Jahan Elephant. Elephant Noor Jahan dies at Karachi Zoo on first day of Eid. Noor Jahan, a 17-year-old African elephant at Karachi Zoo, became the center of national and international attention in early 2023 after her health deteriorated dramatically. Her prolonged illness, emergency treatment by international wildlife experts, and eventual death in April 2023 highlighted the challenges of managing large captive animals in Pakistan and triggered renewed discussions on zoo management and animal welfare.
ElephantNoor Jahan Health Began to Deteriorate
Efforts were made to save Noor Jahan elephant after she developed serious health complications. A few days after being treated by an international team of experts from Four Paws, her condition deteriorated once again.
Unable to support her own weight, elephant Noor Jahan fell into the pond inside her enclosure. After the incident, she could no longer stand on her feet. Zoo staff, veterinarians and wildlife experts used a crane to lift her out of the pond. Thereafter, every change in her body position had to be carried out with the help of a crane to prevent further injuries.
During this difficult period, wounds also developed on her skin due to the pressure of the crane belts and support ropes that were necessary to keep her body stable.
نور جہاں ہتھنی کو موت کی نیند سلانے کا امکان، خصوصی کمیٹی علاج کی کوششوں میں مصروف
International Experts Joined the Rescue Effort
A nine-member committee formed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) reviewed every possible option for Noor Jahan’s treatment, including the possibility of euthanasia if her suffering became irreversible.
The committee included internationally recognized wildlife specialists and Pakistani veterinarians:
- Dr. Amir Khalil (Four Paws)
- Dr. Marina Ivanova (Four Paws)
- Dr. Frank Göritz, Head of the Institute of Wildlife and Zoo Research, Germany
- Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt, Head of the Department of Reproduction Management, Germany
- Former Senior Director Karachi Zoo Dr. Mansoor Qazi
- Professor Dr. Imran Rashid, Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore
- Dr. Asma Gheewala, Animal Care Centre Karachi
- Deputy Director Karachi Zoo Dr. Amir Rizvi
- Dr. Kazim Hussain, Member of the Zoo Expert Panel
At the same time, the arrival of the Four Paws international team was awaited once again to review Noor Jahan’s condition. Some positive changes in her appetite during the final days briefly raised hopes of recovery.
Diagnosis and Surgery of Elephant Noor Jahan
According to Dr. Amir Khalil, Noor Jahan had severe swelling in her lower abdomen, while her hindquarters had become extremely weak, making it difficult for her to walk.
Following endoscopy and ultrasound examinations, veterinarians discovered that a massive hematoma (a large collection of blood) had developed inside her body. The size of the hematoma was placing significant pressure on other internal organs, seriously affecting her overall health.
پاکستان اینیمل ویلفیئر سوسائٹی کے زیراہتمام ہتھنی نور جہاں کی پہلی برسی کی تقریب کا انعقاد
The Four Paws team carried out surgery to remove the hematoma and stabilize her condition. After completing the emergency treatment, the experts held a detailed meeting with Karachi Administrator Dr. Syed Saif-ur-Rehman, Municipal Commissioner Shujaat Hussain and other officials before returning home.
Official Response and Plans for Better Animal Care
During Noor Jahan’s treatment, Sindh Governor Kamran Tesori acknowledged that there had been shortcomings in the care of zoo animals in the past.
He announced that he would personally monitor improvements by regularly visiting the zoo and also announced the establishment of a dedicated animal hospital inside Karachi Zoo within three months to improve veterinary care for captive wildlife.
Elephant Noor Jahan Journey in Pakistan
Noor Jahan arrived in Pakistan in 2009 along with three other African elephants—Madhubala, Sonu and Malika.
For more than a decade, the four elephants remained among Karachi’s most popular attractions.
- Noor Jahan and Madhubala were housed at Karachi Zoo.
- Sonu and Malika were kept at Karachi Safari Park.
Over the years, concerns were repeatedly raised by animal welfare organizations regarding the living conditions and healthcare of the elephants.
Previous Intervention by Four Paws for Elephant Noor Jahan
On the directions of the Sindh High Court, the international animal welfare organization Four Paws had previously visited Pakistan to examine and treat Noor Jahan and Madhubala.
Four Paws is internationally known for rescuing and rehabilitating captive wild animals. The organization had also played a major role in relocating Kaavan, the Asian elephant from Islamabad Zoo, to a wildlife sanctuary in Cambodia after years of international concern over his welfare.
Death of Elephant Noor Jahan
Despite continuous medical treatment, intensive monitoring and the combined efforts of Pakistani and international wildlife experts, Noor Jahan could not recover.
She died in April 2023 before the Four Paws team could return to Pakistan for further treatment.
Following her death, a postmortem examination was conducted in the presence of Dr. Amir Khalil, foreign wildlife experts and local veterinarians to determine the exact cause of death.
According to Karachi Administrator Dr. Saif-ur-Rehman, the postmortem report was expected within one month. Noor Jahan was buried in a specially prepared grave measuring approximately 15 feet deep, 14 feet long and 12 feet wide. Lime and disinfectants were placed in the burial pit as part of the burial procedure.
Steps Taken After Noor Jahan’s Death
Noor Jahan’s death prompted authorities to review the future management of elephants in Karachi.
It was decided to relocate Madhubala from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park, where she would join Sonu and Malika. The transfer was planned under the technical supervision of Four Paws using a specially designed transport container.
Authorities also began considering the establishment of a dedicated elephant sanctuary in Karachi that would meet international animal welfare standards. Discussions were held on whether the sanctuary should function independently under wildlife experts or remain under the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation.
Blood samples from Madhubala, Sonu and Malika were sent to the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore for health screening before any relocation.
A Turning Point for Animal Welfare in Pakistan
The story of Noor Jahan became much more than the story of one elephant. It exposed the challenges of caring for aging captive wildlife, highlighted the importance of specialized veterinary expertise, and renewed public debate on zoo management, animal welfare standards and conservation policies in Pakistan.
Her death became a catalyst for improving elephant care in Karachi, strengthening collaboration with international wildlife organizations, and initiating plans for better facilities for captive elephants in the country.
