KARACHI: Karachi Zoo in Pakistan announced the death of a 17-year-old African elephant named Noor Jehan on Saturday.
The elephant had undergone emergency treatment for a tumor on April 5, but later collapsed and had been lying on its side ever since.
All-out efforts were made to save her life, including treatment under the supervision of international experts and a visit by a Four Paws team.
Despite these efforts, Noor Jehan passed away, leaving the Karachi Administrator Saif Ur Rehman saddened at her death.
Karachi Zoo elephant Noor Jahan is being given continuous medical care with the consultation and guidance of a 9-member committee of experts formed for the treatment and well-being of the zoo elephant.#karachi#MeraKarachi#KarachiZoo#NoorJahan pic.twitter.com/W8kQd8G7Cu
— Dr Syed Saifur Rehman (@DrSyedSaif) April 18, 2023
Noor Jehan arrived in Pakistan in 2009
Noor Jehan had been one of four African elephants in captivity in Karachi, all of whom arrived in Pakistan in 2009.
Madhubala and Noor Jehan had been moved to the Karachi Zoo, while Sonu and Malika had been taken to the Safari Park.
The incident took place at a time when the elephant, Noor Jehan, was experiencing initial signs of recovery from serious health complications.
The death of Noor Jehan has led to action by the administrator of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Saif-ur-Rehman.
He has summoned the records of Dr. Amir Ismail, a doctor at the Karachi Zoo, following the deaths of animals in the zoo.
The authorities are also considering forming an inquiry committee on Noor Jehan’s death, and Dr. Amir Ismail’s assistants will be part of the investigation.
Noor Jehan’s death is a significant loss for the zoo, and it has sparked a debate on animal welfare and conservation in Pakistan.
Critics have highlighted the inadequate conditions in which the animals are kept and the need for better facilities and care.
Noor Jehan’s death also highlights the challenges faced by zoos and animal parks around the world in ensuring the welfare of animals in captivity.
Noor Jehan’s death is a tragic loss for Karachi Zoo and a reminder of the importance of providing proper care and facilities for animals in captivity.
It is essential that the authorities take swift action to investigate the circumstances leading to her death and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such unfortunate incidents from happening in the future.
