ISLAMABAD — An investigation by veterinary surgeons in Pakistan revealed that a bacterial infection was the cause of death for an elephant named Sonia at a safari park in Karachi earlier this month, according to information shared by a veterinarian with a renowned global animal welfare organization.
Dr. Amir Khalil, who works with Four Paws based in Vienna, explained that Sonia, a 19-year-old elephant, suffered from an infection that originated in her foot. He emphasized that the circumstances indicate a troubling oversight in the management of animals in Pakistan, suggesting that such infections develop over a prolonged period and do not occur overnight.
There has been a surge of criticism from animal advocacy groups on social media platforms regarding the level of care provided to the animals in the park, with Khalil expressing his sorrow over Sonia’s fate. In a statement from Four Paws, it was highlighted that the necropsy performed last week revealed Sonia’s death was linked to “extended conditions unsuitable for her species and poor nutritional care.” They noted that her tragic demise highlights the urgent need for effective elephant management practices.
There has been no official response from the Pakistani authorities as of yet, including from Syed Amjad Hussain Zaidi, the director of the safari park, who had previously claimed that Sonia was in good health and had died unexpectedly.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, African elephants typically live between 60 and 70 years in the wild, although their lifespan tends to be shorter in captivity. Sonia, a smaller adult elephant, was among four elephants transported to Pakistan in 2009, and she lost one of her companions, Noor Jahan, who tragically passed away at a Karachi zoo last year at the age of 17.
Recently, Sonia had the opportunity to be reunited with her sister Madhubala, who was moved from the Karachi Zoological Garden just last month, allowing the two to be together again after being separated for roughly 15 years.
Four Paws reported that the results from Sonia’s post-mortem examination indicated the presence of several bacteria, with the infection stemming from an advanced abscess on her foot that had come to light and was treated during their assistance with Madhubala’s relocation.
Dr. Khalil also mentioned that he provided a “preventative treatment plan” for the other two elephants, Malika and Madhubala, recommending an urgent antibiotic treatment and blood tests before and after this treatment.
He expressed his intention to return to Pakistan in February to assess the remaining elephants, but pointed out that Sonia’s tragic death is a clear indication of the necessity for enhanced care and attention for these animals.
Pakistan has faced significant challenges concerning the welfare of elephants held in captivity. A notable case was that of Kaavan, often referred to as the “world’s loneliest elephant” for his years of solitary confinement in a Pakistani zoo. Kaavan was eventually transferred to a sanctuary in Cambodia, where he was able to join a community of other elephants, an effort that gained traction thanks in part to advocacy from singer and actress Cher.