Elephant Sanctuary in Karachi
Elephant Sanctuary in Karachi to be established for Madhubala Elephant and other elephants. After the death of Noor Jahan, it has been decided to shift the elephant Madhubala to the Safari Park. Special arrangements will be made in this regard at Safari Park Karachi. A team of Four Paws, led by Dr. Aamir Khalil, is currently in Pakistan to review the arrangements and provide technical guidance.
کراچی میں ہاتھیوں کیلئے سینکچری کا قیام زیر غور، مدھوبالا اور دیگر ہتھنیوں کو رکھا جائے گا
کے ایم سی کو ہاتھیوں کی سینگچوری کا پلان سندھ گورنمنٹ کو جمع کرانے کی ہدایت
بلکسر پناہ گاہ بھیجا گیا سیاہ ریچھ ایک راز بن کر رہ گیا
Postmortem of Noor Jahan Conducted
According to the details, elephant Noor Jahan passed away before the Four Paws team reached Pakistan. Her postmortem was conducted in the presence of Dr. Aamir Khalil of Four Paws, other foreign experts, and local specialists.
According to Karachi Administrator Dr. Saif-ur-Rehman, the postmortem report is expected within one month. Following the examination, Noor Jahan was buried in a specially prepared pit measuring 15 feet deep, 14 feet long, and 12 feet wide. Four maunds of lime along with other disinfectants were placed in the pit before burial.
Madhubala to Be Shifted to Safari Park
Following Noor Jahan’s death, the authorities have decided to relocate elephant Madhubala to Safari Park Karachi. A proposal to establish a special elephant sanctuary within the Safari Park is also under consideration.
After the relocation, Madhubala will join the two other elephants already living at the Safari Park, Sonia and Malika. All arrangements for the elephants will be made according to the recommendations of Four Paws experts.
Proposal for an Independent Elephant Sanctuary
According to a Dawn report, differences have reportedly emerged between the Four Paws team and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) over the administrative structure of the proposed sanctuary.
The KMC administration believes that the sanctuary should remain under the administrative control of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. However, Four Paws experts have proposed that the sanctuary should function as an independent institution supervised by both national and international animal welfare experts, separate from the Safari Park and any zoo.
Both sides, however, agree on allocating land for the proposed sanctuary.
Four Paws’ Vision for Elephant Welfare
According to Dawn News, Dr. Aamir Khalil stated that the objective is to establish an international-standard home for elephants in Pakistan. He emphasized that the facility should operate independently from zoos and safari parks and should be managed by professionals dedicated to animal welfare.
There is consensus among all stakeholders regarding the relocation of Madhubala to the Safari Park. Administrator KMC Dr. Saif-ur-Rehman said that moving an elephant weighing approximately 2,000 kilograms is a highly challenging task that requires scientific planning and specialized expertise. He added that the relocation plan has been prepared jointly with Four Paws, and implementation is already underway.
Madhubala will be transported in a specially designed container, the construction of which has already begun.
Special Transport Container Under Construction
According to the current design, the transport container will measure approximately 5,088 mm in width and 3,150 mm in length.
The container is expected to be completed within two weeks, while Madhubala is scheduled to be shifted to the Safari Park by mid-June. To facilitate the transfer, Madhubala has also begun specialized training to become familiar with the transport process.
Health Screening of Karachi’s Elephants
Director Karachi Zoo Kanwar Ayub stated that blood samples from Madhubala and the two elephants at Safari Park have been sent to the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore.
The health status of all three elephants is being thoroughly evaluated before the relocation process is completed.
Improved Welfare Measures After Noor Jahan’s Death
Following the illness and death of elephant Noor Jahan, authorities have initiated special welfare measures for the remaining elephants in Karachi. The relocation of Madhubala, health screening of all elephants, and the proposed establishment of a dedicated elephant sanctuary are part of broader efforts to improve elephant welfare and management in the city.
