The solitary existence of Madhubala, an elephant at Karachi Zoo, has had a devastating impact on her overall well-being. Over the past few months, Madhubala has become weak and displays signs of extreme stress. The loss of her long-time partner Noor Jehan three months ago has deeply affected the 16-year-old African elephant, causing her to lose her vibrant personality.
During a recent visit to the Karachi Zoo, it was observed that Madhubala constantly hit her head against the iron bars of her enclosure until her handler shouted at her to stop. She appeared depressed, visibly losing weight, and lacked the energy she once had when Noor Jehan was by her side for interaction and play.
Sources reveal that Madhubala’s abnormal behavior, such as hitting her head against the enclosure’s bars, has become more frequent since being left alone. The constant secretion from her temporal glands is also indicative of her stress and aggression. Concerns were raised when videos of Madhubala being chained during the daytime surfaced on social media.
Zoo officials dismiss these concerns, claiming that Madhubala is perfectly healthy and ready to be moved to Safari Park. According to the zoo vet, the distressing videos are outdated, and Madhubala is now free from any potential infections.
However, Four Paws, an international team of animal welfare experts, is due to arrive in Karachi to assist in Madhubala’s relocation. They have been working closely with the zoo and Safari Park officials following a petition by the Sindh High Court regarding the well-being of the elephants.
In a previous visit, the organization strongly recommended relocating Madhubala to a more suitable environment, emphasizing the urgent need to give her a chance at a better life. The relocation of zoo elephants to Safari Park, as proposed by Four Paws in 2021, is still pending.
Experts discourage the keeping of elephants in zoos, as their complex needs cannot be adequately met in captivity. This compromised welfare stems from factors like limited space for exercise, unsuitable climate, prolonged periods of confinement, improper flooring, inappropriate diet, and a lack of social structure that elephants require to thrive. In the wild, elephants exist in herds of up to 58 animals and, especially, female elephants are intensely social creatures.
It is vital to prioritize the well-being of animals like Madhubala and consider alternative options that ensure a more humane, enriched, and socially stimulating environment conducive to their natural behavior and needs.