Concerns have been raised regarding Sonia, an African elephant living in the Safari Park in Karachi, as she has contracted a dangerous infection.
For several weeks, the 17–19-year-old elephant has had swelling between her hind legs; despite medication, there has been no progress.
There are similarities between this scenario and her sister Noor Jehan’s untimely death from a related sickness last year.
Syed Amjad Hussain Zaidi, the director of Safari Park, admits Sonia’s sickness but asserts that she is getting better with continued care. Zaidi explains the swelling as a result of the elephants’ restricted movement space.
Citing current maintenance on the elephant sanctuary, a request for media access to the elephants was turned down.
Four Paws, an international animal protection organization that has offered advice on the building of the sanctuary,confirms Sonia’s condition and awaits test results to determine the appropriate treatment.
