ISLAMABAD -- The tragic death of Sonia, a 19-year-old elephant at the Karachi Safari Park, has brought to light serious concerns over animal welfare practices within Pakistan. The animal, who died earlier this month, was found to have succumbed to bacterial infections, as reported by veterinarians from the global animal welfare organization Four Paws.
According to Dr. Amir Khalil, who works with Four Paws, the infections spread throughout Sonia's body from her foot. He emphasized the alarming nature of this situation, stating, "as such infections don’t spread in one day." This raises significant questions about how the local authorities manage animal care.
Four Paws conducted the autopsy last week, which revealed multiple bacterial infections leading to sepsis, making her death all the more tragic. The group criticized Pakistani authorities for their handling of the elephants and emphasized the importance of suitable living conditions and nutrition. Dr. Khalil noted, "This heartbreaking outcome... highlights the urgent need for proper elephant management," reflecting on her prolonged malnutrition and improper care.
He pointed out the absence of immediate care for injuries, as seen with the advanced abscess on Sonia's foot, which was only treated recently during the relocation of her sister, Madhubala. Prior to her passing, Sonia was recently reunited with Madhubala, who had spent 15 years apart from her sisters. The organization has now sent urgent recommendations for treatment for Madhubala and another elephant, Malika, based on the findings from Sonia’s autopsy.
The circumstances surrounding Sonia's death are not isolated incidents within Pakistan's difficult history managing elephants. Noor Jehan, another elephant who lived at the Karachi Zoo, died only last year after undergoing medical procedures. Sonia and Noor Jahan were part of four elephants brought to Pakistan around 2009, which makes the death of two elephants within two years particularly concerning.
Notably, the case of Kaavan, often called the “world's loneliest elephant,” who faced years of solitary confinement, adds to this troubling narrative. His relocation to a sanctuary in Cambodia, facilitated by international efforts—including public advocacy led by celebrity Cher—underscores the lack of adequate support for elephant welfare in the region.
Following Sonia's death, Four Paws reiterated its commitment to improving the welfare of the remaining elephants, stating, "Madhubala has stepped... finding solace in each other." They plan to return to Pakistan to supervise the health care routine, ensuring recommended treatment, including antibiotics and proper nutrition, is consistently met. Their proposal includes dietary plans rich in minerals, fruits, vegetables, and other essentials to bolster the physical well-being of these elephants.
This systemic neglect of animal care raises pressing questions about the state of animal welfare not just for elephants, but for all creatures held captive in Pakistan. The plight of Sonia serves as both a heartbreaking reminder of responsibilities neglected and as a call to act. The time has come for local authorities to embrace more stringent animal welfare standards to prevent such tragedies moving forward.
Despite the grim scenario surrounding Sonia's death, Four Paws remains hopeful. They stress the need for immediate action to revamp the living conditions not just for the remaining elephants, but for the future of exotic animals within the nation. The organization seeks to build awareness and ignite changes necessary to improve the lives of such magnificent creatures under human care, ensuring no other elephants suffer as Sonia did.
With clearer guidelines and ethical commitments from local authorities, as well as the active involvement of global animal welfare organizations, the future for elephants like Madhubala and Malika can be much brighter, potentially avoiding the harsh realities faced by Sonia and her late companions.
