Rest in peace, princess: Anoushey Ashraf, Ahmed Ali Butt mourn elephant Noor Jehan’s loss

The elephant at Karachi Zoo passed away on Friday after being critically ill

The morning of Eidul Fitr this year was rather heavy for animal lovers, especially in Pakistan, with the news of 17-year-old elephant Noor Jehan passing away. The Karachi Zoo elephant was critically ill after a fall in her enclosure and couldn’t be saved despite several efforts.

Celebrities and fans alike were shaken, but also somewhere relieved, by the news. Anoushey Ashraf, who visited Noor Jehan during her last days, took to her Instagram Stories and penned a note after her death. “The only consolation here is that she went knowing she was cared for and loved through and through. Now she is back to God, one with the earth and truly free of pain,” she wrote.

“Her life is not lost in vain and she will have her say one day. Fear that day. Rest in peace, princess. I’m at some peace knowing this fleeting world and its unfair ways can't hurt you any more. I’m worried about your sister Madhu Bala now,” she added.

Ashraf further reminded the government that the idea of “keeping animals in captivity for our entertainment” is an outdated one and cannot work any longer – especially not in 2023 and especially not after this incident.

“Here’s another reminder for the government that zoos are a place where animals are kept in captivity for our entertainment. This narrative cannot work in 2023. I’m sure they tried their best with Nuri, but the concept is faulty, to begin with,” she wrote. “No one trusts the animals are getting the best possible care anyway. And charging money to see animals behind cages is a narrative the world has grown out of.”

The host further asked who to contact about this because the way zoos are run in Pakistan currently is “negligent and irresponsible.”

Posting a video in another Story, she added, “Call her death bad luck. Call it God’s will. But understand that keeping exotic animals in confined spaces in a country that doesn't have one wildlife expert is negligent. It's irresponsible. Who do we shout to?”

Actor Komal Aziz Khan also urged the government to “stop animal cruelty” and “ban Karachi Zoo” while sharing the news on the photo-sharing platform.

Yashma Gill was heartbroken about the news while Simi Raheal blamed humans for her loss. “Neglect, apathy, and disregard for life till it's too late. She died young because of humans!” Raheal wrote in her Story.

Writer Fatima Bhutto, who was vocal about the elephant’s struggle throughout, also commented on the matter and felt deeply for those looking after Noor Jehan in her last days. “What can one say? This magnificent, sensitive creature didnt have to suffer. I’m sorry for all those who worked round the clock in the heat in Ramazan to ease her suffering, they must be grieving deeply.”

If the news of Noor Jehan’s untimely passing wasn’t enough, a source revealed that Sri Lanka wants to send two elephants to Pakistan’s zoos. While Gill couldn’t believe the insensitivity, Ushna Shah urged organisations to “hold protests” and shared that they have her support.

Actor Ahmed Ali Butt shared the news on the photo-sharing app and claimed that we don’t deserve zoos in this country. “We don’t deserve a zoo, just like everything else in this country, animals and their care are the least of our worries. This is just another feather in our incompetent cap,” he wrote while hoping that Pakistan gets no more animals until the country and its people “learn how to treat animals well.”