Madhubala, a 16-year-old elephant, has finally been moved from Karachi Zoo to Safari Park in a much-awaited relocation on Tuesday. For years, Madhubala had been kept in solitary confinement at the zoo, but now, after a long wait of 15 years, she is set to reunite with her family members, Sonia and Malika, at Safari Park.
The relocation process was carefully managed, with the elephant being transported in a container lifted by a crane. The team from Four Paws, an international animal welfare organization, oversaw the move. Prior to the shift, the elephant underwent training to ensure she could safely enter and exit the container, a crucial step for her safe journey.
Madhubala’s arrival at Safari Park marks an important moment for the park, as she becomes the third elephant in the facility. She was one of four African elephants treated by Four Paws in Karachi in 2022, where an eight-member team provided medical care to the animals. Over the years, Madhubala had suffered from a dental infection and the pain caused by a broken tusk, which contributed to her long period of suffering.
This move is part of Four Paws’ ongoing efforts to improve the lives of elephants in captivity. In 2020, the organization was also responsible for relocating Kaavan, the world’s “loneliest elephant,” from Islamabad to Cambodia, bringing attention to the welfare of elephants worldwide.
With her move to Safari Park, Madhubala is not only rejoining her family but also moving towards a better, more fulfilling life. This is a positive step for animal welfare in Pakistan, and it brings hope for the future of captive elephants in the country.
