Madhubala beats TB, but fight for recovery continues

Four Paws chief says elephant needs weeks of intensive care as weakened legs, weight loss threaten mobility

KARACHI:

Beating tuberculosis has not ended Madhubala’s battle for survival. The 22-year-old elephant at Safari Park is now free of the disease, but its lingering effects have left her physically weak and in need of several more weeks of intensive treatment and rehabilitation.

Speaking to The Express Tribune at Safari Park, Four Paws chief Dr Amir Khalil said Madhubala’s weakened immune system, weight loss and deteriorating physical condition remained major concerns. Her hind legs are particularly weak, while swelling in her limbs and cracks in her toenails have affected her mobility.

"The elephant may even require a crane to help her get back on her feet if she falls," Khalil warned, highlighting the seriousness of her condition.

Madhubala has been experiencing severe health problems for several weeks.

Although a bacterial infection was initially suspected, Khalil said there was no longer evidence of such an infection. However, her declining weight and lack of strength in her hind legs continue to complicate her recovery.

Read: Madhubala goes to Safari Park today

Khalil said medication alone would not be enough to restore Madhubala’s health. Her treatment plan includes nutritional support, physiotherapy and specialised care to rebuild her strength and improve her overall condition.

The elephant will receive multivitamins, minerals and dietary supplements, with particular attention to supporting her liver health. Daily water-based massages and physiotherapy will also be required to improve blood circulation in her leg muscles. Swimming will form another important part of her rehabilitation, allowing her to move her legs while gradually rebuilding muscle strength.

The condition of Madhubala’s legs and toenails remains a particular concern for the veterinary team.

Khalil said that treating elephants presents unique challenges, including the difficulty of administering injections, requiring specialised handling and treatment procedures.

"Pakistani and foreign specialists are working together to improve Madhubala’s condition."

According to Khalil, international experts have been providing guidance remotely over the past several weeks. He also said there were encouraging signs of improvement, but it was too early to make definitive predictions about her recovery. For now, the priority was to stabilise her condition and provide the intensive care she needed.

"Madhubala’s sister, Malika, has also been looking after her and playing an important role in her care," Khalil said.

The Four Paws team is focusing on understanding Madhubala’s medical problems and addressing her immediate needs rather than dwelling on mistakes made in the past.

Khalil said decisions about the next stage of treatment would be made once Madhubala regained the strength to stand and move around independently. Her recovery, he added, would require sustained cooperation among all those involved, alongside appropriate medical treatment, rehabilitation, nutrition and specialised care.