KARACHI: Despite carrying out several tests, including an X-ray, over the past two days, the authorities in Safari Park remain clueless about what caused the sudden collapse of African elephant Madhubala in her enclosure, it emerged on Wednesday.

Responding to queries, a spokesperson for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) said that Madhubala suffered from “acute weakness and low immunity levels” following prolonged treatment for tuberculosis and that’s what caused her sudden fall.

“While all her laboratory tests are just fine, she is being given antibiotics as a precautionary measure on the advice of a senior local vet. No fracture has been detected in the X-ray,” KMC spokesperson Daniyal Alishan Siyal told Dawn, adding that all medical reports were emailed to Sri Lankan wildlife health specialist Dr Buddhika for final assessment.

When asked why she is being given antibiotics when no bacterial infection has been detected, he said, “I am told that she has elevated infection markers, though no specific cause has been detected.”

The African elephant is suffering from ‘acute weakness and low immunity levels’

Madhubala, he pointed out, could now stand on her feet and the supporting crate belt had been removed.

On the swelling on her right hind thigh, he claimed that, “It was caused by her fall.”

He rejected the information that Madhubala was acutely dehydrated on the day of her fall because there wasn’t sufficient water to keep her cool on hot days.

“There were no power breakdowns that could lead to water issues,” Mr Siyal said.

Foot abscess recovery?

Safari Park Director Amjad Zaidi two days ago stated that it’s apparently the swelling on her right thigh, which was preventing her from using her leg. He had also stated that Madhubala had “recovered” from a foot infection.

Sources stated Madhubala’s swelling on her right hind thigh might be indicating spread of abscess from the foot (on the same affected leg) that she had been fighting for some period.

“Elevated infection markers mean her body’s immune system is reacting to a problem, though her test results cannot tell the exact cause,” a senior vet shared.

Steady signs of improvement: KMC

The KMC released a press statement on Madhubala’s condition, stating that the elephant is showing steady signs of improvement and continues to receive round-the-clock veterinary care and close medical monitoring.

“The latest health assessments have revealed several encouraging signs of improvement. Madhubala is now able to stand independently without harness support, marking a positive development in her recovery. Her vital parameters remain stable, while she continues to maintain a good appetite and remains alert and responsive,” it says.

It further adds that Madhubala is undergoing daily health assessments and blood tests, while X-rays of her hind quarters are also being conducted regularly.

“These diagnostic procedures are being carried out with the support of the Sindh Institute of Animal Health, enabling veterinary experts to closely monitor her physical condition and evaluate her progress.

“Madhubala’s dedicated keeper team remains with her around the clock. The keepers, who have been closely involved in her daily care, are working in close coordination with the veterinary team to ensure that she receives appropriate nutrition, care, supervision and support throughout her recovery,” it adds.

Madhubala had been in solitary confinement at Karachi Zoo following the tragic death of her companion Noor Jehan who died in 2023 after a tragic fall in her enclosure.

Noor Jehan’s autopsy report released by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) showed that she died from a severe blood parasitic infection and internal trauma combined with a lack of proper medical care.

Left alone at the zoo, Madhubala was successfully relocated to Safari Park where she was reunited with her sisters, Sonia and Malika, in November 2024, under the supervision of Four Paws — an international animal welfare organisation that worked extensively with the KMC for elephant care.

The success story of her reunion faded soon as Sonia died a month later after collapsing in her Safari enclosure.

Lab reports later showed that she suffered from multiple chronic illnesses, affecting almost all vital organs, indicating prolonged neglect in her care and failure in timely diagnosis.

Successive deaths of captive elephants raised public outcry, forcing the KMC to set up an 18-member body to look after Madhubala and Malika, both of whom were diagnosed with tuberculosis.

The four female elephants were brought to Karachi from Tanzania in 2010 at a very young age under a controversial arrangement.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2026