A team of veterinarians and wildlife experts from global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is on-site this week, to aid 17-year-old suffering elephant Noor Jehan at the Karachi Zoo.
Noor Jehan's suffering began with her limping. Her condition deteriorated fast to a worrying state that left her partially paralysed. During the examination, the experts identified an internal hematoma and a damaged pelvic floor as the main sources of her pain and physical distress. They provided immediate pain relief treatments and recommended proper care for Noor Jehan's rehabilitation.
Since 2021, FOUR PAWS has recommended relocating Noor Jehan and her companion Madhubala to a species-appropriate place that fulfils international standards. The authorities have now finally committed to relocating both elephants as soon as Noor Jehan is healthy enough to be moved.
"We welcome the commitment of the local zoo officials and authorities to finally relocate both elephants, after FOUR PAWS has recommended this action in favour of the elephants’ wellbeing already last year." - Josef Pfabigan, Global CEO,@fourpawsint
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📸: Hristo Vladev #Karachi pic.twitter.com/HG6YVm6hQz
Experts from the international animal welfare organisation were called for help by the zoo officials as the treatment and special equipment were not available in Pakistan.
The medical procedures to determine her condition and further treatment included an ultrasound examination and additional laboratory tests. To provide immediate relief to the suffering elephant, the team applied medications, administered vitamins and painkillers, and did hydrotherapy after identifying the cause of her serious condition.
"During the ultrasound examination, we detected an inner hematoma and a damaged pelvic floor. This shows that trauma must have happened, which has caused the current painful health condition, and also explains her unusual body position.
Noor Jehan needs a lot of movement to activate and train the muscles in her legs again, which will also improve the mobility of her digestive tract. She will also receive a special diet to recover soon.
"It is now more important than ever that Noor Jehan regains strength, so she and her companion Madhubala can soon be relocated to a more species-appropriate home, where she can recover fast. We gave recommendations and guidelines for Noor Jehan's recovery, her future and survival now depend on the zoo following them," says FOUR PAWS veterinarian Dr Amir Khalil, who is leading the expert team on-site.
Better life chances
"We welcome the commitment of the local zoo officials and authorities to finally relocate both elephants. We are glad that she still has a chance at a better life," said Josef Pfabigan, global CEO of FOUR PAWS.
He said the organisation would especially like to thank the Sindh governor for attending the medical assessment of Noor Jehan and for his overall support.
This once again shows the long-term, sustainable changes we can achieve when authorities and animal welfare experts work together closely. FOUR PAWS is ready to continue providing its support and expertise in Pakistan in cases where sustainable solutions can be achieved, to help improve the lives of as many animals as possible," Pfabigan added.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 7th, 2023.
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