In a historic achievement for animal welfare, the global organization FOUR PAWS has successfully relocated African elephant Madhubala from the harsh conditions of Karachi Zoo in Pakistan to a state-of-the-art sanctuary at Karachi Safari Park. This monumental move not only reunites Madhubala with her long-lost sisters, Malika and Sonia, after 15 years of separation, but it also marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s commitment to improving the care and welfare of its wildlife. Madhubala, the last African elephant held in captivity at a zoo in Pakistan, is now embarking on a new chapter in a spacious and purpose-built environment designed to allow her to flourish.
Madhubala’s story has been one of profound loneliness and neglect. After the tragic death of her sister Noor Jehan at Karachi Zoo, Madhubala lived in isolation for over a year and a half, with her only companion being a worn-out tire. This stark image of abandonment underscored the severe neglect she had endured for years. However, the tides have turned for Madhubala, thanks to the collaborative efforts of FOUR PAWS and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). Together, they orchestrated her relocation, with the goal of improving both her physical and emotional well-being while raising Pakistan’s standards for animal care.
The relocation process itself was a massive logistical and emotional undertaking. FOUR PAWS’ team, led by Dr. Frank Göritz from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), meticulously planned the entire operation, ensuring every detail was carefully addressed. To minimize Madhubala’s stress during the move, she was gently sedated and then lifted by crane into a custom-built transport crate. The journey from Karachi Zoo to Karachi Safari Park took place under tight security, with a convoy of police and animal welfare experts escorting the transport through the bustling streets of Karachi, a city of 20 million people.
Upon arrival at Karachi Safari Park, Madhubala was released into a secure enclosure, where initial health checks yielded positive results. Dr. Göritz closely monitored her after the move, and within hours of being freed from the transport crate, Madhubala began to explore her new outdoor space. Dr. Amir Khalil, the mission leader and a veterinarian with FOUR PAWS, remarked on the emotional moment: “As soon as released from the transport crate, we realized that Madhubala was feeling very comfortable and could already sense the closeness of her two sisters. None of us expected her to be so eager to stretch out her trunk towards them.”
Madhubala’s new home within Karachi Safari Park is a groundbreaking 5.2-acre elephant sanctuary, the first of its kind in Pakistan. This sanctuary has been designed to meet international standards for elephant care, offering ample space for the elephants to roam freely. The enclosures feature water elements for bathing and thermoregulation, various natural substrates like soil and sand for dust bathing, and enrichment items such as hay nets and foraging puzzles to encourage natural behaviors. The sanctuary is securely enclosed with elephant-proof fencing, providing a safe, nurturing environment for Madhubala and her siblings.
FOUR PAWS worked closely with local authorities and experts to implement these changes. An independent task force will oversee the sanctuary’s ongoing maintenance, ensuring the facility adheres to high standards and is sustainable for the long term. The goal is to provide Madhubala and her companions with the best possible care and to help them thrive in their new, more natural environment.
The significance of Madhubala’s reunion with her sisters, Malika and Sonia, cannot be overstated. Separated in 2009, the four elephants—Madhubala, Noor Jehan, Sonia, and Malika—were captured as calves in the wild and brought to Pakistan. They were split between Karachi Zoo and Karachi Safari Park, where they endured years of isolation and inadequate care. In 2021, the Sindh High Court enlisted FOUR PAWS to assess the elephants’ welfare, revealing the urgent need for improved living conditions, medical care, and proper diets.
On the day of Madhubala’s arrival at her new home, the emotional reunion was captured by onlookers, including local observers, diplomatic representatives, media outlets, and the FOUR PAWS expert team. After being freed from her enclosure, Madhubala ventured outdoors, bringing her old tire with her—a poignant gesture of her past life. As she approached the water pond, she placed the tire in front of her sisters, seemingly as a gift. In a heartwarming display of elephant social behavior, Malika and Sonia responded by inviting Madhubala to share a drink from the pond, marking the beginning of their reconnection after years apart.
Madhubala’s journey from isolation to freedom is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting wildlife and the potential for change when dedicated individuals and organizations come together. Her rescue and subsequent reunion with her family inspire hope for a more compassionate future for animals worldwide. As Madhubala continues to explore her new sanctuary and rebuild her bond with her sisters, her story serves as a beacon of progress for animal welfare in Pakistan and beyond.