KARACHI: Concern over the well-being of elephants housed in the Safari Park is mounting three months after their herd partner Noor Jehan’s tragic death at the Karachi Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

According to sources, elephants Sonia and Malika — both African species aged between 16 and 18 years — have been kept in vulnerable conditions, posing potential danger to their well-being.

These threats, the sources say, had been highlighted in an assessment report prepared by the Task Force on the Zoo and Safari over two months ago, but didn’t lead to any action at the official level.

The task force, established by the provincial government following the death of 17-year-old Noor Jehan, had listed in its report a series of immediate actions required to be taken at the Safari Park, including provision of qualified veterinary care especially for the elephants.

The team had found Sonia with a ‘visible’ foot injury that, according to the report, seemed to have occurred due to the damaged concrete floor and persistent moist conditions in her enclosure.

Recommendations of task force on poor conditions inside enclosure yet to be implemented: sources

“It is imperative to thoroughly examine her health, particularly this wound, to determine if it is contaminated with bacterial or fungal infection. If left unaddressed, the wound has the potential to develop into a severer condition because the infection can spread rapidly and compromise her overall health. Therefore, it is crucial to identify any signs of infection and initiate appropriate treatment,” the report stated.

Earlier named Sonu, the 16-year-old female elephant was believed to be a male elephant by the Safari staff for 12 years prior to its examination in 2021 by Four Paws — a group of international experts working for animal welfare.

The experts were providing assistance in elephant care on the request of the Sindh High Court that had taken up a petition seeking shifting of zoo and Safari elephants to species-appropriate habitat.

Sonia develops ‘knee swelling’

A recent visit by this reporter to the facility revealed that Sonia seems to have developed swelling on the same left hind leg affected by a foot injury.

She appeared to be in pain while being in a standing position as she was unable to bear weight on the affected limb that she kept bent.

“Dr Aamir Ismail, currently providing veterinary services at both zoo and Safari, has told me that Sonia is absolutely fine. She hasn’t been diagnosed with any illness,” said Safari Park Director Syed Amjad Hussain Zaidi, while agreeing to seek consultation from an independent vet on Sonia’s knee lump. However, according to him, Malika is undergoing treatment for Trypanosomiasis, a potentially fatal parasitic infection that was detected in zoo elephant Noor Jehan after her death.

“Malika’s recent blood test report shows that she is now cleared of the infection and she will get her last dose of the medicine on 16th.”

Asked about the threats identified in the task force’s report, Mr Zaidi said: “I haven’t seen that report yet as I have taken charge of the Safari five days back.”

Report ignored

The report states that the damaged bars in the elephant enclosure could potentially harm animals’ bodies if they were to engage with them in rubbing or contact with them.

“The concrete floor of the enclosure was damaged in specific areas, including gravel and damp spots, which can cause damage to the animals’ feet and lead to infection and foot diseases.

“The uneven surface, coupled with the presence of sharp edges and moisture, increases the risk of abrasions, cuts and subsequent bacterial or fungal infections; drainage system in the enclosure seems inadequate as the water accumulates on the floor, creating a prolonged wet environment that can lead to the risk of various ailments and diseases by allowing the growth of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi,” it says.

Additionally, the report says, prolonged moisture can soften the skin on the elephants’ feet, making them more susceptible to injuries, abrasions and infections.

The task force team comprised representatives of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation running the city’s zoos and Safari Park, wildlife department, animal rights activists and the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan.

It is pertinent to mention here that four female elephants — Sonia, Malika, Noor Jehan and Madhubala — were brought to Karachi from Tanzania in 2010 at a very young age through a controversial procedure.

Noor Jehan died in April this year after suffering for months on account of staff’s negligence.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2023