KARACHI: The postmortem report of Sonia, an elephant at Safari Park who died last month, has revealed that respiratory disease and subsequent sepsis were the causes of death, prompting the park administration to take preventive health measures for the remaining elephants. In collaboration with international experts, the administration plans to conduct full medical examinations of the two other elephants, Malaika and Madhubala, to safeguard their health.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the spokesperson Ali Hassan Sajid stated that the findings from Sonia’s postmortem, conducted by Dr. Ghulam Mustafa of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, have highlighted the necessity for thorough health assessments. Samples were tested at the Sindh Institute of Animal Health and an internationally recognized laboratory, confirming tuberculosis and other bacterial infections. These results have driven the park to engage in proactive care measures.

The decision to pursue comprehensive medical evaluations for the elephants and conduct tests on staff members in partnership with Indus Hospital reflects a commitment to animal welfare. This initiative aims to prevent similar incidents and enhance the care standards at both Safari Park and Karachi Zoo.