KARACHI: After resting for a night in her room at the Safari Park’s newly built sanctuary, zoo elephant Madhubala finally met her siblings Malika and Sonia on Wednesday morning after 15 years’ long separation – a memorable moment not just for the three sisters but also for the whole team representing local and international experts and workers who made their reunion possible.

The first physical interaction was slow, calm and peaceful; they gradually moved closer, feeling and smelling each other and later flapping their ears, expressing relaxation and happiness. They also spent some time in the pool together.

“It’s an emotionally tough moment for us. The team is so happy to see the family together. I feel proud that we have been able to complete our mission,” said Dr Amir Khalil leading the Four Paws’ team.

The global animal welfare organisation assisted the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation in successfully relocating Madhubala from the zoo to the Safari Park a day earlier. The 17-year-old African elephant confined to a small enclosure at the zoo suffered from loneliness after the tragic death of her long-time partner Noor Jehan more than a year ago.

Over two months ago, the organisation had relocated an old lonely African elephant, Charley, from a zoo to the Shambala Private Reserve in South Africa.

Asked how the Karachi experience with Madhubala was different, senior team member FP Dr Marina Ivanova said: “All animals have their distinct identities and personalities. Hence, we have a new experience every time we interact with animals.”

About the KMC-FP cooperation, Dr Khalil explained that the organisation would continue to guide the local staff.

“Tomorrow, we plan to examine Sonia in detail as she has developed some swelling (between her hind legs),” he said, adding that it wasn’t something serious.

It might be recalled that four elephants were brought to Karachi from Tanzania as calves in 2009. Two were kept at the zoo while the other two at the Safari Park.

Earlier on Tuesday, the FP team led by Dr Khalil helped Madhubala voluntarily enter a crate. The team carried out the mammoth logistical task to lift her up in the air with a crane and position her crate safely on a truck.

As soon as the crate was secured, the convoy set off for the Safari Park. It first headed towards the Lyari Expressway and then moved onto Sohrab Goth before reaching Safari Park.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2024