BOSTON/ KARACHI- NOVEMBER 26 2024 – FOUR PAWS successfully transferred an African elephant named Madhubala from the inappropriate keeping conditions in Pakistan. Madhubala has spent over 15 years separated from her siblings, Malika and Sonia. After the tragic death of her sister Noor Jehan in 2023, Madhubala has suffered from loneliness, her only remaining companion being an old tire.

In a joint effort between the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), FOUR PAWS, the global animal protection organization, has been working tirelessly in the last months to secure Madhubala’s life-changing relocation. Madhubala will be transferred from Karachi Zoo to her brand-new tailor-made enclosure at Karachi Safari Park, a new home that aims to improve her physical and mental health as she reunites with her family.

“Madhubala’s rehoming into a species-appropriate enclosure is a gigantic step for more animal welfare in Pakistan and sends a strong signal to other countries around the world where elephants are still kept in private captivity for entertainment purposes,” said FOUR PAWS CEO and President, Josef Pfabigan.

The moving day for Madhubala was thoroughly planned down to the smallest details with help by head veterinarian Dr. Frank Göritz from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW). The team carried out the logistical mammoth task of lifting her up in the air with a crane and positioning her safely on a truck. As soon as the crate was secured, the convoy accompanied by police and FOUR PAWS expert team set off. The police forces facilitated the smooth journey of the convoy through the bustling streets of Karachi.

After releasing Madhubala from the transport crate into her new safety enclosure, a health assessment and stress monitoring was undertaken showing normal reactions by the pachyderm. The health condition of the three elephants will be closely observed by Dr. Göritz, who has been involved in the treatment of the elephants since 2021. After a few hours of settling in, Madhubala was released into her new outdoor enclosure which she curiously started to explore. The upcoming days, the three elephants will be monitored closely to evaluate potential socialization timings.

“The efforts of all the involved stakeholders were tremendous. Especially the close alignment with the mayor of Karachi and KMC, Murtaza Wahab, fast-tracked the developments of Madhubala’s relocation. To finally see her thriving in her new species-appropriate enclosure exceeds our expectations. It is one of the main pillars of the work of FOUR PAWS to make sure we find sustainable long-term solutions to improve the lives of as many animals as possible together with our local stakeholders and global network,” said Pfabigan.

The four African elephants, Madhubala, Noor Jehan, Sonia and Malika, came to Pakistan in 2009 after they were caught in the wild at a young age. Arriving in Karachi, they were separated, Madhubala and Noor Jehan were brought to Karachi Zoo, and their sisters, Sonia and Malika, came to Karachi Safari Park. In November 2021, the Sindh High Court in Pakistan asked FOUR PAWS to assess the well-being of the four elephants. They were all found in need of proper diet, enrichment, and medical treatment. Noor Jehan and Madhubala also needed dental surgery due to infections caused by broken tusks. Following the death of Noor Jehan, Madhubala became last captive African elephant in a Pakistani zoo.

Before Madhubala could be moved, FOUR PAWS recommended and executed improvements of the elephant enclosure at the Karachi Safari Park. This included a designated 5.2-acre sanctuary area within the park. The elephant enclosures now have water elements for bathing, skin care, and thermoregulation. Additionally, enrichments such as hay nets, and varying substrates like soil, sand, clay, and sawdust, are provided for Madhubala to dust bathe, as well as a place to hide novel items to encourage foraging. Once the elephants are situated, an independent task force will monitor the continued maintenance and fulfillment of the elephants’ species-appropriate living conditions.