A team of veterinarians and wildlife experts from Four Paws, an international animal welfare organization, visited Karachi Zoo to assess and treat Noor Jehan, the ailing elephant.
The team, consisting of twelve global experts led by Egyptian veterinarian Dr. Amir Khalil, arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday in response to a request from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), which operates the zoo.
The experts also met with Karachi Administrator Dr. Syed Saifur Rahman and zoo management to discuss the necessary arrangements for conducting physical and radiological examinations on the ailing elephant, as stated in a KMC press release.
On Wednesday, the team examined Noor Jehan’s feet, requiring her to be placed in an upright position using cranes and heavy machinery.
According to Dr. Rahman. The international team was provided with all the necessary facilities for treatment.
Marina Ivanova, a team member, explained that a crane supported the elephant to stand so they could examine her painful ankle, a process that would take at least two hours. A report will be prepared after assessing the infection in Noor Jehan’s toe, followed by X-rays and an endoscopy of her foot.
Dr. Amir Khalil, Four Paws’ team leader, stated that his team was doing everything possible to help Noor Jehan recover.
Four Paws’ press statement revealed that recent reports and images show 17-year-old African elephant Noor Jehan in severe physical distress. As a result, a comprehensive veterinary examination will be conducted to determine her future care.
Since 2021, Four Paws has recommended relocating Noor Jehan and her companion Madhubala from Karachi Zoo to a more suitable location offering better living conditions. However, no action has been taken to relocate them.
Four Paws praised Pakistan’s efforts to protect animal rights under the Constitution and ban elephant imports over the past three years. Josef Pfabigan, the global CEO of Four Paws, expressed disappointment at the lack of action to improve the lives of elephants at Karachi Zoo but remained hopeful for further collaboration between animal welfare experts and local officials. He emphasized that by building a strong foundation for animal welfare, change can be achieved for suffering animals in Pakistan and globally.
