Madhubala reaches new home

KARACHI:

The successful operation to shift the female elephant Madhubala from Karachi Zoo to the Safari Park has been completed. Madhubala was transferred in a semi-conscious state in a special container under the supervision of Four Paws, a global animal welfare organisation based in Vienna, Austria.

A contingent of police escorted the vehicle shifting the female elephant to Safari Park while traffic police were deployed on Lyari Expressway, Sohrab Goth and Abul Hasan Isfahani Road to keep the road clear for a safe and unhindered passage of Madhubala's trailer. Besides the vehicle of Four Paws team, an ambulance from 1122 also accompanied Madhubala.

After the shifting was completed, mission leader Dr Aamir Khalil said that Madhubala was not fully sedated during the travel from Zoo to Safari Park. The successful operation was the result of months-long hard work, he said and expressed the hope that Madhubala would like her new home.

A special enclosure and swimming pool have been prepared for Madhubala in the Safari Park so that she can enjoy better living facilities. The decision to transfer Madhubala was taken two years ago after the death of the elephant Noor Jahan.

City Mayor Murtaza Wahab said at a press conference that KMC fulfilled its responsibility well and completed this difficult process in collaboration with Four Paws. He said, Madhubala has shifted to an open enclosure where a swimming pool has especially been built for her.

Wahab said that this step was taken keeping in mind the entertainment of children and the welfare of animals.

The mayor further said that animal welfare in Pakistan will be promoted by strengthening relations with Four Paws. He expressed his determination to bring more animals to the parks to offer recreational facilities to citizens. Wahab criticised the MQM and said that some elements are trying to stop the work of the KMC.

The Bulgarian ambassador, while participating in the ceremony, emphasized global efforts for the survival of the environment and animals and said that together we can make the world a better place to live.